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Lieut. -Colonel  Berton  W.  Sibley 


HISTORY  OF  THE  THIRD 
BATTALION 

SIXTH  REGIMENT,  U.  S.  MARINES 


COMPILED  FROM  THE  OFFICIAL  REC- 
ORDS KEPT  BY  THE  BATTALION 
HISTORIAN—  AND  OPERATIONS 
REPORTS  COVERING  ALL  OF 
THE  ENGAGEMENTS  IN  WHICH 
THIS  BATTALION  PARTICIPATED 


*/* 


Maps  by  the 
Battalion  Intelligence  Section 


Published   by 

AKERS,  MAC  RITCHIE  &  HURLBUT 

Hillsdale,  Michigan 

1919 


>     » 


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Copyright  1919  hy 

AKERS,  MAC  RITCHIE  &  HURLBUT 

All  rights  reserved. 


CONTENTS 


HALF-TONE 


LIEUT.-COLONEL  BERTON  W.  SIBLEY        Frontispiece- 


LIST  OF  OPERATIONS 


VERDUN  SECTOR  (Toulon  Sub-sector) 
CHATEAU-THIERRY   SECTOR 


SOISSONS  SECTOR 


ST.    MIHIEL    SALIENT 


CHAMPAGNE    (Blanc    Mont) 


MEUSE-ARGONNE 


MARCH  TO  THE  RHINE 


Page 
8 

11 

31 

5^ 

67 

95 

114 


Ml.85161 


PREFACE 

After  receiving  numerous  requests  for  copies  of  the 
Third  Battalion  history,  and  after  Sergeant  Major 
Robinson  had  written  two  sets  of  five  copies  each  on 
the  typewriter  it  became  evident  that  if  every  man 
who  wanted  and  deserved  a  copy  of  the  history  of 
his  battalion  during  the  late  war,  secured  one  this 
history  would  have  to  be  printed.  After  a  great  deal 
of  thoughtful  discussion  Lieut.  MacRitchie,  former 
Battalion  Quartermaster  and  Lieut.  Charles  F.  Hurl- 
but,  formerly  of  the  84th  Company,  both  of  whom 
have  been  with  the  battalion  throughout  the  major 
portion  of  its  history,  convinced  me  that  the  history 
not  only  can  be  printed  and  put  out  in  convenient 
form  but  that  it  is  really  a  duty  that  the  custodians 
of  the  battalion  records  owe  to  the  members  of  the 
battalion. 

With  this  thought  in  mind  Lieut.  MacRitchie,  Lieut. 
Hurlbut  and  myself  formulated  the  plan  and  pre- 
pared to  put  it  through.  A  preliminary  canvass  of 
the  men  aboard  the  Wilhebnina  disclosed  the  wide- 
spread desire  for  copies  of  the  history  among  the 
present  members  of  the  battalion.    It  is  only  reason- 


able  to  suppose  that  it  will  be  equally  well  received 
by  the  other  members  of  the  Battalion  who  came  home 
ahead  of  us. 

A  history  of  this  kind,  to  be  of  value,  must  be  as 
accurate  as  the  exigencies  of  war  permit.  This  ac- 
curacy has  been  reached  chiefly  through  the  continu- 
ous and  untiring  efforts  of  Captain  David  Bellamy, 
former  adjutant  of  the  Battalion,  who  worked  un- 
ceasingly to  make  the  operations  report  after  each 
engagement  as  accurate  and  complete  as  humanly 
possible.  As  the  history  is  largely  a  collection  of  these 
operations  reports  our  debt  to  Captain  Bellamy  can 
be  easily  seen.  The  first  operations  report  for  the 
period  from  June  1st  to  August  10th,  was  written 
by  Captain  Bellamy  and  corrected  and  edited  by 
Major  Sibley.  The  next  report  covered  St.  Mihiel  and 
was  also  written  by  Captain  Bellamy,  who  wrote  the 
report  for  Champagne  before  he  was  evacuated  to 
the  S.  0.  S.  with  an  advanced  case  of  Influenza.  After 
the  evacuation  of  Captain  Bellamy  it  became  my  task 
as  his  successor,  to  write  the  report  for  the  Argonne- 
Meuse  and  fill  in  the  connecting  matter  and  brief  re- 
port of  the  return  and  demobilization  of  the  battalion. 
The  data  for  this  I  secured  from  my  personal  diary, 
from  the  Battalion  file  of  orders  and  from  records 
kept  by  Sgt.  Ray  E.  Babcock,  the  Battalion  historian. 

This  work  is  concise,  has  no  elaborate  descriptive 
matter,  and  may  appear  to  be  unnecessarily  cold,  but 
it  is  believed  that  the  plain  narrative  with  accurate 
dates,  hours  and  places  will  be  the  thing  most  desired 


in  the  years  to  come,  and  that  memory  will  supply 
the  cloak  to  cover  these  naked  facts. 

To  Major  Berton  W.  Sibley  belongs  the  credit  for 
the  supervision  of  the  first  operations  report  cover- 
ing as  it  did  the  two  largest  operations  the  battalion 
ever  participated  in.  This  ground  work  served  as  a 
standard  upon  which  all  later  reports  and  the  history 
itself  were  built  and  the  entire  work  is  dedicated  to 
him. 

Herbert  H.  Akers 

Chicago,  ni.,  1919. 


.    J  J  J 

I    '  -     1 


HISTORY  OF  THE  THIRD 
BATTALION 


The  Third  Battalion  of  the  Sixth  Regiment  was 
organized  at  Marine  Barracks,  Quantico,  Virginia, 
August  1,  1917,  with  Major  Berton  W.  Sibley  in  com- 
mand. The  companies  composing  the  battalion  were 
the  82nd,  Captain  Dwight  F.  Smith  commanding ;  the 
83rd,  Captain  Albert  R.  Sutherland  commanding; 
the  84th,  Captain  Harry  G.  Bartlett  commanding; 
and  the  97th,  Captain  Robert  W.  Voeth  commanding. 
The  roster  of  officers  at  time  of  embarkation  for  over- 
seas was  as  follows: 

STAFF 

Sibley.  Berton  W ? Major 

Commanding: 

HickB,    Frederick   I Second  Lieutenant 

Battalion  Adjutant 

84th  Company 

Bartlett.   Harry   G i. Major 

Company  Commander 

Smith,  Mark  A First  Lieutenant 

Second  in  Command 
Maynard,   Charles   B First  Lieutenant 

1st  Platoon  Commander 
Mason,  Horatio  P First  Lieutenant 

4th  Platoon  Commander 
Kalbflelsch,    Edw.    D Second  Lieutenant 

2nd  Platoon  Commander 
Perklnson,  Allan  C Second  Lieutenant 

3rd  Platoon  Commander 


4  HISTORY    OF    THE 

82xid  Company 

Smith,    Dwight   F Captain 

Company  Commander 

McFarland,    Hugh    .  . .» First  Lieutenant 

Second  in  Command 
Roberts,   Charles   D ■ Second  Lieutenant 

1st  Platoon  Commander 
Bellamy,    David    Second  Lieutenant 

4th  Platoon  Commander 
SmalLman,   Clinton   I Second  Lieutenant 

2nd  Platoon  Commander 
Robinson,  Caldwell  C Second  Lieutenant 

3rd  Platoon  Commander 

&7th  Company 

Voeth,   Robert   W Captain 

Company  Commander 

Muckleston,  Stanley  M Captain 

Second  in  Command 
McEvoy,   Thomas  T First  Lieutenant 

1st  Platoon  Commander 
Marshall,    Ralph   W ^ second  Lieutenant 

4th  Platoon  Commander 
Moore,    William    B Second  Lieutenant 

2nd  Platoon  Commander 
Skelton,  Albert  G Second  Lieutenant 

3rd  Platoon  Commander 

63rd  Company 

Sutherland,    Albert   R Captain 

Company   Commander 

Noble,   Alfred   H First  Lieutenant 

Second  in  Command 

Holloday,   Davis  A First  Lieutenant 

.  1st  Platoon  Commander 

MacRossle,    Allan,    Jr Second  Lieutenant 

4th  Platoon  Commander 

Murphy,    Richard   W Second  Lieutenant 

2nd  Platoon  Commander 

Timmerman,   Louis   F.,  Jr Second  Lieutenant 

3rd  Platoon  Commander 

Organized  with  Company  Commanders  and  senior 
non-commissioned  officers  from  the  old  Marine  Corps 
school  of  experience  and  junior  officers  and  men  from 
the  recruit  depot  at  Paris  Island,  S.  C.  and  Mare 
Island,  California,  the  training  of  the  battalion  for 
service  on  the  Western  front  began.  This  training 
included  close  order  drill,  skirmish  drill  by  platoon 
and  company,  trench  digging;  erecting  barbed  wire 


THIRD     BATTALION  5 

entanglements,  signalling  of  all  kinds,  and  rifle  prac- 
tice. The  rifle  and  machine  gun  practice  took  place 
on  the  newly  completed  Quantico  Rifle  Range.  Prac- 
tice marches  and  open  warfare  maneuvers  were  in- 
terspersed with  the  specialty  training  and  the  men 
hardened  to  the  game  which  was  to  become  their  lot 
in  France. 

At  9 :30  a.  m.,  October  24,  1917,  the  battalion  be- 
gan its  journey  to  France,  travelling  by  train  to 
Philadelphia  where  the  troops  were  embarked  on 
the  U.  S.  S.  Von  Steuben,  then  lying  at  anchor  in  the 
Delaware  River  off  League  Island. 

At  5:00  a.  m.  October  25th,  the  Von  Steuben 
weighed  anchor  and  sailed,  arriving  off  Tompkins- 
ville,  in  New  York  harbor,  at  9 :00  a.  m.,  October  26th. 
Here  the  ship  remained  at  anchor  five  days  but  no 
one  was  allowed  to  go  ashore  and  all  mail  was  care- 
fully censored.  Absolute  secrecy  was  maintained  as 
to  the  time  set  for  departure  and  as  to  the  destina- 
tion. The  remaining  ships  of  the  convoy,  three  trans- 
ports, one  armored  cruiser  (North  Carolina)  and  two 
destroyers,  gathered  within  the  next  few  days  and  at 
7  :00  p.  m.,  October  31,  the  convoy  moved  out  on  its 
way  to  France. 

The  weather  was  unusually  fair  and  all  went  well 
until  6;13  p.  m.,  November  9th,  when,  due  to  a  mis- 
understanding of  orders,  the  Agamemnon  and  the 
Von  Steuben  collided,  making  a  large  hole  in  the  bow 
of  the  Von  Steuben.  This  occurred  in  the  edge  of 
the  submarine  zone  and  the  ships  of  the  convoy  were 
ordered  to  separate  and  meet  the  following  day.   Af- 


6  HISTORY    OF    THE 

ter  steaming  all  night  alone  at  seven  knots  per  hour, 
her  bow  in  the  air,  to  keep  the  hole  above  the  water 
line,  temporary  repairs  were  made,  the  remainder 
of  the  convoy  was  picked  np  and  at  noon  the  group 
continued  the  trip  at  15  knots.  Later  in  the  day  ten 
destroyers  from  the  American  fleet  in  European  wat- 
ers joined  the  convoy  and  the  North  Carolina  turned 
back  for  the  United  States.  The  journey  through  the 
submarine  zone  was  made  without  further  accident 
and  early  November  12th,  land  was  sighted.  At  noon 
the  convoy  dropped  anchor  in  the  harbor  of  Brest, 
France. 

While  awaiting  debarkation  orders  and  transporta- 
tion to  the  final  destination  the  Battalion  Commander 
ordered  one  company  ashore  each  day  for  a  practice 
march.  November  17th  the  83rd  and  84th  Compan- 
ies with  Battalion  Headquarters  paraded  in  Brest. 
Early  Monday  morning,  November  19th,  the  troops 
disembarked  and  entrained  in  a  French  troop  train 
which  left  at  12:30  p.  m.  on  the  Chemin  de  Fer  de 
L'Ouest  Southward,  arriving  at  Lormont,  France,  a 
suburb  of  Bordeaux,  at  midnight,  November  20,  1917. 

The  Battalion  here  rejoined  the  regimental  head- 
quarters 73d  and  Supply  companies  and  was  assigned 
to  duty  with  the  18th  Engineers  building  docks  at 
Bassens.  The  following  detachments  were  deailed  for 
provost  and  engineer  duty  in  the  neighboring  campa 
and  towns:  Captain  Voeth  Provost  Marshal  Tours, 
November  27-January  21;  First  Platoon,  97th  Com^ 
pany.  Provost  duty.  Tours,  November  27-Janu'ary  21, 
Lieut.  Skelton  in  command;  the  84th  Company,  Pro- 


THIRD    BATTALION  7 

vost  and  fati^e  duty  La  Corneau,  December  18- 
January  5th,  Major  H.  G.  Bartlett,  commanding; 
Lieutenant  Marshall  and  twenty  men  from  the  97th 
Company,  La  Cortine  December  8th  to  January  5th, 
fatigue  and  provost  duty;  Lieutenant  Timmerman 
and  30  men,  83rd  Company,  Marche  Prime  December 
6th  to  January  4th,  fatigue  duty ;  Lieutenant  Roberts 
and  1st  Platoon  82nd  Company,  Cenon,  provost  duty, 
December  27th  to  January  6th. 

The  regiment  was  relieved  by  the  162nd  Regiment 
Inf.  (Montana  National  Guard)  on  January  8th  and 
entrained  January  9th,  1918,  at  Carbon  Blanc  for  the 
Second  Division  training  area.  After  a  three  day 
trip  in  3rd  class  and  box  cars  the  troops  were  de- 
trained at  Damblain,  Haute  Mame,  January  12,  1918 
and  marched  to  Chaumont-la-ville,  a  distance  of  five 
kilometers.  Here  intensive  training  for  trench  and 
open  warfare  began  at  once.  This  training  was  very 
severe  due  both  to  strenuous  schedule  and  the  winter 
season  which  set  in  in  earnest  about  this  time.  How- 
ever, gruelling  as  it  seemed  then,  it  so  hardened  the 
men  that  they  were  able  to  bear  up  under  the  strain 
of  continuous  fighting  which  later  became  the  lot 
of  the  Second  Division.  The  schedule  included  hikes, 
close  order  drill,  extended  order,  bayonet  fighting, 
games,  practice  in  both  rifle  and  hand  grenade  throw- 
ing, rifle  range  practice,  storming  trench  systems, 
taking  strong  points,  defense  against  gas  attacks  and 
all  modes  of  signalling  then  in  use.  Steel  helmets 
were  received  shortly  after  arrival  in  this  area  and 
included  in  the  uniform  for  drill  in  order  to  accus- 


8  HISTORY    OF    THE 

torn  the  men  to  wearing  them  at  all  times  when  in  the 
line.  A  great  deal  of  gas  defense  drill  was  included 
in  the  schedule  and  men  were  required  to  shoot,  march, 
throw  grenades  and  perform  every  possible  duty  with 
the  masks  on. 

In  March,  trench  knives,  extra  clothing,  etc.  were 
received  and  issued,  preparations  were  made  for  stor- 
ing extra  baggage,  and  men  only  allowed  to  keep 
what  clothing  they  could  carry  in  their  packs. 

Orders  were  received  that  the  Second  Division  was 
going  in  line  just  south  of  Yerdun  for  thirty  days, 
training  under  fire,  and  on  March  14th  the  battalion 
marched  to  Breuvannes  and  entrained  for  the  front, 
moving  at  9:42  p.  m. 


HOLDING  TRENCHES,  VERDUN  SECTOR 

(Toulon  Sub-Sector) 

FIRST    CASUALTIES 

Arriving  at  Dugny,  10  kilometers  from  Yerdun, 
at  noon,  March  15th,  the  battalion  detrained  and 
moved  out  by  companies  as  quickly  as  possible.  Or- 
ders were  to  clear  loading  platform  within  two  hours 
to  avoid  shelling. 

After  walking  approximately  16  kilometers  to  the 
support  position  of  the  Toulon  sector,  companies  were 
billeted  in  the  following  camps:  82nd  Co.,  Camp 
Richert  and  Camp  Ronde  Fontaine;  83rd  Co.,  Camp 
Marquenterre ;    84th    Co.,    Camp    Massa;    97th    Co., 


THIRD    BATTALION  9 

Camp  Fontaine  St.  Robert;  Battalion  Headquarters, 
Camp  Ronde  Fontaine. 

The  battalion  went  into  line  in  the  C.  R.  M^ont- 
sous-Ie^Cotes,  sub-sector  Bonchamp  the  evening  of 
March  18th,  82nd,  83rd,  84th  Companies  in  line,  the 
97th  Company  in  reserve  at  Camp  Fontaine  St. 
Robert. 

Being  relieved  March  28th  by  the  2nd  battalion, 
6th  Marines,  the  battalion  marched  to  Sommedieue 
for  billet,  arriving  at  daylight  March  29th.  Ordered 
to  march  on  the  31st,  82nd  and  84th  Cos.  and  Bat- 
talion Headquarters  moved  at  dark  four  kilometers 
to  Camp  Douzains;  83rd  Co.  going  to  Camp  Somme- 
dieue and  97th  Co.  going  to  Camp  Eveche. 

Remained  here  working  on  defenses,  building  en- 
tanglements and  digging  trenches  until  April  7th. 

At  dark  April  7th  the  battalion  relieved  the  Sec- 
ond battalion,  6th  Marines  in  C.  R.f  Mont-sous-le- 
Cotes,  three  companies  in  line  and  one  in  reserve. 

Without  incident  until  the  night  of  April  20-21, 
when  Cermans  after  putting  down  a  box  barrage 
around  the  outpost  town  of  Villers,  attacked  P.  P.* 
*16  at  1 :00  a.  m.  with  flame-throwers,  grenades,  and 
knives,  about  thirty  men  being  seen.  This  raid  was 
repulsed  by  rifle  fire  and  grenades  in  the  hands  of 
the  men  assigned  to  this  post,  the  Germans  leaving 
two  dead  in  our  wire. 

Relieved  night  of  April  24th  by  3rd  battalion, 
20th  French.  Marched  to  reserve  position  at  Camp) 
Chiffoure. 

tCenter  of  resistance.  •Petit  post. 


10  HISTORY    OF     THE 

May  1,  sent  one  officer  and  two  NCO's.  from  each 
company  to  1st  Corps  Schools  at  Gondrecourt. 

May  2  relieved  the  1st  hattalion,  6th  Marines  in 
strong  point  Haudiomont  with  two  companies  in  the 
line,  one  in  support  and  one  in  reserve  at  Camp 
Chiffoure.  Battalion  Headquarters  and  support  Co. 
84th  at  P.  C.t  Bordeaux.  The  battalion  spent  a  quiet 
ten  days  in  this  sub-sector. 

May  9th  Lieut.  Marshall  and  four  NCO's.  left  to 
secure  billets  in  a  new  area. 

May  13th  relieved  by  a  battalion  of  the  174th 
Fl'ench.  Marched  to  Haudainville,  arriving  at  2 :00 
a.  m.  Remained  here  until  1 :00  p.  m.  May  14th  when 
battalion  marched  to  Ancemont  and  entrained.  De- 
parted 6:30  p.  m. 

TRAINING 

Arriving  at  Blesmes  (Mame)  at  3:30  a.  m.  May 
15th,  the  battalion  marched  without  breakfast  to  new 
training  area.  Battalion  ijHeadquarters,  83rd  and 
84th  Cos.  were  billeted  at  Vavray-le-Petit,  the  97th 
Co.  being  billeted  with  Regimental  Headquarters  at 
Doucey  and  the  82nd  Co.  in  Vavray-le-Grande. 

Training  schedule  was  put  into  effect  and  followed 
until  May  19th.  The  97th  Co.  was  assigned  as  a  load- 
ing detail  for  the  2nd  Division  and  proceeded  to 
Vitry-le-Francois  May  16th. 

On  May  19th  at  10 :00  p.  m.  the  82-83-84th  Com- 
panies and  Battalion  headquarters  marched  to  Vitry- 
le-Francois,  a  distance  of  17  kilometers,  arriving  at 

JPost  de  command. 


THIRD     BATTALION  11 

4 :30  a.  m.  Breakfast  was  served  at  5 :00  a.  m.  on 
loading  platform  and  entire  battalion  entrained  and 
left  at  5 :30  a.  m. 

At  5:55  p.  m.  May  20tli,  arrived  at  risle-Adam 
and  detrained,  marching  to  Nesle-le-Ville,  five  kilo- 
meters distant,  for  billets. 

Marched  at  8  :00  a.  m.  May  21st,  arriving  at  Marines 
at  4:44  p.  m.  where  battalion  billeted  for  the  night. 

May  22nd  marched  at  6  :(X)  a.  m.,  arriving  at  Mon- 
tagny-en-Vexin  at  10:30  a.  m.  and  billeted  together 
with  the  2nd  Battalion,  remaining  there  until  May  31, 

A  training  program  including  divisional  terrain 
exercise  was  carried  out.  Men  were  issued  clothing 
and  equipment  and  the  battalion  was  put  in  first  class 
condition  in  all  respects. 

OPERATIONS    CHATEAU-THIERRY    SECTOR 

The  30th  of  May,  1918,  found  the  Third  Battalion, 
Sixth  Marines,  stationed  at  IMontagny-en-Vexin. 
Regimental  Field  Order  No.  2,  of  that  date  contemh 
plated  a  march  movement  to  a  new  area  to  begin  at 
11 :00  a.  m.,  on  the  31st.  The  following  order  was 
received  at  6  :00  p.  m.  on  the  30th : 

''Headquarters,  Sixth  Regiment, 
Marine   Corps,  A.   E.  F., 
France,  30  May  1918. 
MEMORANDUM : 

1.  Advance  information  official  received  that  this 
Regiment  will  move  at  10:00  p.  m.  3C  May  by  bus 
to  new  area.  All  trains  shall  be  loaded  at  once  and 
arran Clements  hastened.     Orders  will  follow.  Wagons 


12  HISTORY     OF    THE 

when  loaded  will  move  to  Serans  to  form  train. 
By  order  of  Colonel  Catlin: 

F.  E.  Evans,  Major,  U.  S.  M.  C, 

Adjutant. 


tf 


Sometime  after  10:00  p.  m.  same  date,  this  regi- 
mental memorandum  was  received: 

*'The  3rd  Battalion  will  take  Camions  at  Serans 
at  4 :45  a.  m.  tomorrow,  31  May,  for  8  hour  trip. 
Destination  Meaux." 

At  3  :00  a.  m.  battalion  left  Monta^y  for  Serans 
where  a  hot  breakfast  was  served  from  the  kitchens 
which  had  been  sent  ahead.  Camions  were  boarded 
at  8:30  a.  m.  After  a  day  and  night  in  the  tru<iks 
Montreuil-aux-Lions  was  reached  on  the  morning  of 
June  1st.  After  a  few  hours  of  rest  the  battalion, 
started  for  the  front  along  the  Chateau-Thierry-La- 
Ferte  road.  Outside  of  Montreuil  the  Battalion  Com- 
mander received  verbal  orders  to  take  up  a  position 
in  the  woods  northeast  of  La  Voie  du  Chatel.  This 
was  done  and  the  night  spent  there.  The  French  in 
front  were  falling  back. 

The  next  day,  June  2nd,  the  companies  were  more 
advantageously  placed  and  an  effort  made  to  get  in 
better  touch  with  the  situation.  Enemy  shelling  con- 
tinued and  that  afternoon  the  battalion  suffered  its 
first  casualties  on  the  Chateau  Thierry  front;  two 
men  were  killed  and  twelve  men  were  wounded.  At 
about  5:00  p.  m.  the  following  order  was  received: 

*'From:     C.  0.  6th  Regt. 

At :  P.  C.  la  Voie  Du  Chatel. 


THIRD     BATTALION  13 

To:  C.  0.  Third  Battalion. 

Be  prepared  send  fresh  Co.  to  LaCense  Farm  to 
report  Holcomb  as  reserve.  German  fresh  Division 
expected  to  attack  American  right  with  two  regiments 
north  of  Paris  road  and  one  south. 

F.  E.  E." 

The  97th  Company  was  sent  to  report  to  Major 
Holcomb  in  accordance  with  this  order. 

In  accordance  with  regimental  orders  the  night 
of  June  2nd  was  spent  in  the  open  field  east  of  the 
woods  and  north  of  the  Voie-du-Chatel — Lucy-le- 
Bocage  road  to  escape  the  barrage  it  was  thought 
the  enemy  would  put  down  on  la  Bois-du-Chatel  at 
night-fall.  At  break  of  day  position  was  again  taken 
up  in  la-Bois-du-Chatel,  this  time  along  Champillon- 
la- Voie-du-Chatel  road.  Heavy  shelling  during  the 
entire  day  which  resulted  in  several  casualties  among 
battalion  scouts  and  84th  Company.  About  noon  the 
82nd  Company  w^as  sent  to  re-enforce  the  front  line 
northeast  of  Champillon  and  east  of  point  142.  This 
company  had  several  casualties,  including  four  men 
killed,  while  taking  up  position. 

At  dark  Battalion  Headquarters,  83rd  Company 
and  one  platoon  of  the  73rd  Machine  Gun  Company 
moved  up  and  joined  82nd  Company  south  of  Torcy, 
Major  Sibley  taking  command  of  that  portion  of  the 
line  running  from  point  142  for  about  one  thousand 
yards  in  an  easterly  direction.  The  line  on  this  front 
was  in  most  places  along  edge  of  the  woods,  at  some 
points  the  enemy  was  in  the  same  woods  and  about 
fifty  yards  distant.   The  enemy  artillery  and  machine 


14  HISTORY    OF    THE 

guns  were  active  during  the  afternoon  and  night. 
The  next  morning,  June  4th,  the  Battalion  Comman- 
der further  reconnoitered  the  situation  and  found 
the  French  had  left  a  portion  of  the  line  on  our 
right  unoccupied.  After  a  conference  with  Major 
Shearer,  a  portion  of  the  First  Battalion  of  the  Fifth 
Regiment  and  some  machine  guns  were  sent  to  fill 
the  gap.  The  enemy  artillery,  machine  guns  and  snip- 
ers were  active  during  the  entire  day  but  our  casual- 
ties were  not  heavy.  The  84th  Company  which  had 
been  left  in  la-Bois-du-Chatel  suffered  some  casual- 
ties from  artillery  fire.  On  June  5th  conditions  con- 
tinued much  the  same  as  on  previous  day.  The  day 
was  spent  in  digging  in  and  strengthening  our  posi- 
tion. During  the  early  morning  hours  the  enemy 
launched  a  mild  attack  but  were  repulsed  by  our  fire 
without  serious  losses  to  us.  After  daylight  and  dur- 
ing the  day  enemy  was  seen  from  time  to  time  and 
our  snipers  reported  to  have  done  effective  sniping. 
About  nine  p.  m.  on  June  5th  the  following  order 
was  received: 


C  i 


0.  0.  3rd  Battalion. 


Your  battalion  will  be  relieved  sometime  tonight 
by  Turrill's  Battalion,  when  82nd  and  83rd  Com- 
panies are  relieved  you  will  proceed  via  Champil- 
lon  via  present  Regimental  Headquarters  to  Ferme 
Blanch  where  your  Battalion  will  go  in  {i^eserve. 
Orders  will  be  given  the  C.  0.  84th  Co.  and  97th  Co. 
to  report  to  you  at  Ferme  Blanche.  The  platoon 
73rd  Co.  will  remain  in  place.     Guide  will  be  found 


THIRD    BATTALION  15 

at  Regimental  Headquarters,  Coloners  office,  to  con- 
duct you  to  Ferme  Blanche,  By  order 

F.  E.  E/' 

8:05  p.  m. 

Will  send  in  Spalding's  rations  by  Ford  with  hia 
runner  on  Ford." 

At  3  rOO  a.  m.  morning  of  June  6th  the  First  Bat- 
talion of  the  Fifth  launched  an  attack  through  a  por- 
tion of  our  line,  two  platoons  83rd  Company  hold- 
ing the  line  until  they  advanced,  this  attack  brought 
in  fierce  machine  gun  fire  from  the  enemy  but  the 
82nd  and  83rd  Companies  were  able  to  withdraw 
without  serious  losses.  By  daylight  on  the  morning  of 
the  6th  the  relief  was  completed.  The  day  up  to 
3  :00  p.  m.  w^as  spent  at  Maison  Blanche  Ferme  on 
the  Chateau  Thierry — La  Ferte  road,  the  Battalion 
less  3  platoons,  97th  Co.  who  joined  us  at  about  5 :00 
p.  m.  having  assembled  there.  By  3  :00  p.  m.  the  bat- 
talion was  under  way  in  accordance  with  the  follow- 
ing order: 

Headquarters,     4th     Brigade, 

Marine  Corp,  A.  E.  F.,  6  June, 

1918;  2:05  p.  m. 

FIELD  ORDER 
No.  2 

MAP :  MEAUX  49 

1 :50,000 

1.  The  enemy  holds  the  general  line  Bouresches- 
T  orcy-Montecourt. 

2.  This  Brigade  attacks  on  the  general  line  Bour- 
esches-Torcy. 


16  HISTORY    OF     THE 

3.  The  attack  will  be  in  two  phases: 
To  take  the  Bois  de  Delleau 
To  take  R.  R.  Station  Bouresches; 

Bouresches    villag'e;    brook    crossing    (173.9- 

264.1);  Hill   126;   Hill  133. 

(a)  Disposition  of  troops  for  the  first  phase. 
The  Bois  de  Belleau  will  be  taken  by  the  3rd 
Bn.  5th  Marines  (less  1  Co.)  on  the  left  and 
the  3rd  Bn.  6th  Marines  on  the  right.  The 
attack,  first  phase,  wall  be  commanded  by 
Colonel  Catlin,   6th  Marines. 

(b)  Sector  limits,  1st  phase,  left  battalion: 

Northern:  262.8 
Southern:  261.2 
Right  Battalion: 

Northern:  261.2 
Southern:  260.8       . 

(c)  The  2nd  Bn.  6th  Marines  will  advance 
its  left  to  conform  to  the  progress  made  by 
the  battalion  on  its  left. 

(d)  Disposition  of  troops  for  the  second 
phrase.  The  position  R.  R.  station  Bouresches ; 
Bouresches  Village,  Brook  Crossing  (173.9- 
264.1)  ;  Hill  126;  Hill  133,  will  be  taken  by 
the  3rd  Bn.  6th  Marines,  on  the  right,  the 
3rd  Bn.  5th  Marines,  (less  1  co.)  in  the  cen- 
ter and  the  1st  Bn.  5th  and  1  Co.  each  of 
the  2nd  Bn.  and  3rd  Bn.  5th  Marines. 

(e)  Sector  limits,  2nd  phase: 
3d  Bn.  6th  Marines. 

Northern :   Hill  181 ;  R.  R.  Bridge. 

(177.0-261.3) 
Southern :    Hill  138  southern  end  of  Boure- 
sches Village. 

3rd  Bn.  5th  Marines   (less  1  Co.) 
Northern:     Hill   133   to  Bouresches-Torcy 
Road  at  intersection  with  Y  line  at  176. 


THIRD     BATTALION  17 

Southern:  Hill  181;  R.  R.  Bridge,  (177.0- 
261.3)   exclusive. 

1st  Bn.  5th  IMarines  and  1  Co.  each  of  2nd 
and  3rd  Bus.  5th  Marines. 

Northern :  Square  Wood  to  brook  crossing 
(173.9-264.1)    and   Hill   126. 

Southern:  From  right  at  present  position 
to  Hill  133,  exclusive. 

(f)  The  attack  of  the  center  and  right  of 
the  second  phase  will  be  commanded  by 
Colonel  Catlin,   6th  Marines. 

The  attack  of  the  left  of  the  second  phase 
will  be  commanded  by  Lieut.  Col.  Feland, 
5th  Marines. 

(g)  the  attack  on  the  Bois  de  Belleau  and 
on  the  village  and  railroad  station  of  Boure- 
sches  will  be  supported  by  the  77th  (M.G.) 
Co.  The  attack  on  the  brook  crossing' 
(173.9-269.1)  126-133,  inclusive,  will  be  sup- 
ported by  the  machine  guns  now  with  the  1st 
Bn.  5th  Marines. 

(x)  The  artillery  preparation  will  be  made 
in  accordance  with  orders  from  the  C.  G., 
2d  F.  A.  Brigade. 

(y)  The  attack  on  Bois  de  Belleau  will  be- 
gin at  5  p.  m.  The  second  phase  will  begin 
as  soon  as  the  first  phase  has  attained  its 
objective. 

(z)  Aviation  will  be  ordered  by  the  C.  G. 
21st  Army  Corps  (French.) 

4.  The  2nd  Bn.  5th  Marines  (less  1  Co.)  will 
constitute  the  Brigade  Reserve  in  the  woods 
northwest  of  Lucy-le-Bocage. 

5.  The  position  when  attained  will  be  at  once 
organized  to  be  held  against  counter-attack. 


18  HISTORY    OF    THE 

6.  Trains  will  remain  in  place. 

7.  Brigade   and  Regimental  P.    C's  remain  in 
place. 


}7 


There  was  no  other  information  conceminsr  the 
enemy  or  the  terrain  and  as  there  was  no  time  for 
scouting,  the  company  commanders  were  shown  the 
above  order,  also  their  objectives  on  the  map,  and 
were  conducted  to  the  line  from  which  the  battalion 
would  start  the  attack.  The  82nd  Company  and  84:th 
Company  were  in  the  front  line — ^the  82nd  Com- 
pany being  on  the  left  of  the  ravine  that  runs  from 
Lucy-le-bocage  to  Bouresches  and  the  84th  Company 
being  on  the  right  of  this  ravine.  The  83rd  Company 
was  placed  in  support  of  the  82nd  company  and  the 
97th  Company  in  support  of  the  84th  Company,  all 
companies  were  in  four  wave  formation.  Company 
commanders  were  informed  that  the  Battalion  Com- 
mander and  P.  C.  would  advance  along  the  ravine. 

The  attack  started  at  5  :00  p.  m.  and  battalion  ad- 
vanced according  to  schedule  until  about  8  :30  p.  m., 
when  enemy  artillery  and  machine  gun  fire  became 
so  heavy  that  further  advance  was  impracticable. 

During  this  time  the  battalion  had  advanced  about 
two  kilometers  and  had  reached  the  edge  of  the  woods 
near  Bouresches  which  was  the  first  objective  desig- 
nated by  the  Regimental  Commander  for  this  Bat- 
talion. The  82nd  Company  having  been  held  up  by 
terrific  machine  gun  fire  from  machine  gun  nests, 
the  83rd  Company  had  gone  in  to  support  it  and 
fought  its  way  to  a  clump  of  trees  about  three  hun- 
dred yards  northwest  of  Bouresches.   In  this  vicinity 


THIRD     BATTALION  19 

one  platoon  of  the  83rd  Company  captured  seventeen 
prisoners,  two  machine  guns  and  a  quantity  of  am- 
munition. These  gnns  were  set  up  by  them  and  used 
with  good  effect  upon  the  enemy. 

Our  casualties  had  been  heavy  but  we  had  been 
able  to  kill  and  wound  many  of  the  enemy.  Two 
' '  minnenwerf ers "  and  much  ammunition  had  been 
abandoned  by  the  enemy  on  the  ground  passed  over 
by  the  82nd  and  83rd  Companies. 

The  general  situation  in  this  attack  is  shown  in 
sketch  ''A"  attached.  The  two  right  companies  ad- 
vanced for  the  large  part  through  open  wheat  fields 
and  were  under  constant  observation  and  direct  ar- 
tillery and  machine  gun  fire.  The  two  left  companies 
were  entirely  in  the  Southern  sector  of  Bois  de  Bel- 
leau.  They  did  not  meet  serious  resistance,  however, 
until  they  came  to  the  many  machine  gun  nests  that 
were  located  in  the  high  rocky  crags  in  the  south- 
eastern portion  of  the  woods. 

Under  orders  previously  received  the  second  phase 
of  the  attack,  namely  the  capture  of  Bouresches,  waa 
not  to  begin  until  the  Bois  de  Belleau  had  been  freed 
from  the  enemy,  and  this  fact  reported  to  Regimental 
Headquarters.  Consequently  it  was  impracticable  for 
the  two  right  companies  to  advance  beyond  the  line 
occupied  by  the  two  left  Companies. 

The  82nd  and  83rd  Companies,  after  having  done 
gallant  work  in  reducing  several  of  the  machine  gun 
nests,  were  unable  to  press  the  advance  with  the  men 
remaining,  consequently  at  8:30  all  companies  were 
ordered  to  dig  in. 


20  HISTORY     OF    THE 

At  8:45  p.  m.  the  following  message  was  sent  to 
Hegimental  Commander: 

''From:  3rd  Bn. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date :  6-6-18  Hq.  8  :45  p.  m. 

To:  Regimental  Commander. 

Unable  to  advance  infantry  further  because  of 
strong  machine  gun  positions  and  artillery  fire.  Have 
given  orders  to  hold  present  position  at  far  edge  of 
woods.     Losses  already  heavy.     Await  instructions. 

(Signed)   Sibley.'' 

The  Battalion  P.  C.  at  this  time  was  in  the  ravine 
•about  150  yards  from  the  east  edge  of  the  woods. 

Word  was  received  from  Commanding  Officer  2nd 
Battalion,  6th  Marines  at  about  10  :45  p.  m.  that  a 
detachment  of  the  96th  Company  had  entered  Bour- 
^sches  from  the  east  and  was  in  urgent  need  of  re- 
enforcements.  Information  had  been  received  about 
thirty  minutes  before  that  Colonel  Catlin  had  been 
wounded  in  the  first  hour  of  the  engagement.  Lieut. 
Col.  Lee's  P.  C.  had  not  been  located  by  our  runners 
and,  in  the  absence  of  any  communication  with  the 
Regimental  Commander,  Major  Sibley  ordered  the 
84th  and  97th  Companies  to  advance  from  their 
positions  in  the  field  into  the  town  of  Bouresches. 

The  82nd  and  83rd  Companies  held  their  positions 
and  continued  to  dig  in.  The  Battalion  Headquarters 
remained  in  the  ravine  near  the  82nd  and  83rd  Com- 
panies. The  84th  and  97th  Companies,  not  meeting 
with  any  resistance  from  the  enemy  arrived  in  Bour- 
esches at  about  11 :40  p.  m.  and  entered  the  town. 


THIRD     BATTALION  21 

These  companies  were  assigned  positions  by  the  sen- 
ior officer  present  and  proceeded  to  dig  in. 

During  the  night  of  6-7  Major  Fox  arrived  with 
two  companies  of  the  2nd  Engineers  and  was  assigned 
to  a  position  in  rear  of  the  82nd  company. 

There  was  great  difficulty  with  communications 
during  this  time.  The  telephone  line  was  frequently 
shot  out  and  runners  encountered  gas  in  the  area  be- 
tween hxiGy  and  the  Battalion  P.  C.  Water  was  avail- 
able only  by  being  carried  in  canteens  along  the  diffi- 
cult ravine  that  led  to  Lucy.  Some  rations  were 
dumped  there  also  but  owing  to  Scarcity  of  men  only 
a  few  could  be  carried  into  the  woods.  The  two  com- 
panies in  Bouresches  were  able  to  get  some  rations 
by  Ford  trucks  during  the  night.  Ammunition  con- 
sisting of  Chauchat,  Springfield,  pistol,  flares  and  ai 
very  few  grenades  were  brought  up.  The  engineers 
also  brought  tools. 

During  the  night  of  6-7  the  Bois  de  Belleau  was 
under  lively  artillery  fire  most  of  the  time.  The  gas 
from  high  explosive  shells  was  very  distressing.  Early 
in  the  day  of  June  7  the  Battalion  Commander  made 
a  reconnaissance  of  the  front  line  positions  and  made 
readjustments  of  certain  of  the  units  bo  as  to  afford 
better  protection  against  the  enemy  who  held  strong 
positions  in  our  woods  just  to  the  northeast  of  us. 
The  80th  Company  under  Captain  Coffenberg  which, 
had  taken  up  a  position  in  rear  of  the  Battalion  P.  C, 
astride  the  Lucy-Bouresches  road  was  ordered  into 
a  support  position  in  the  southwestern  comer  of  Bois 
de  Belleau.    The  mornins:  of  the  7th  the  Battalion 


22  HISTORY    OF    THE 

P.  C.  was  moved  150  yards  to  the  rear  and  the  Bat- 
talion Adjutant  was  sent  to  Regimental  and  Brigade 
Headquarters  to  explain  the  general  situation,  and 
to  tell  of  the  exhausted  condition  of  the  men.  No 
sleep  had  been  possible  the  previous  night  and  hot 
food  had  not  been  had  for  eight  days.  The  enemy 
also  held  dangerous  and  harassing  positions  well  on 
our  left  flank. 

The  day  passed  rather  quietly  except  in  the  after- 
noon when  a  lively  artillery  bombardment  of  the 
woods  occupied  by  us  was  made.  The  Battalion  Quar- 
termaster, Lieut.  McFarland,  and  three  of  his  men 
were  severely  wounded  on  the  Bouresches-Luey  road 
while  under  orders  to  take  rations  to  Bouresches. 

Early  in  the  afternoon  the  Battalion  Commander 
received  word  that  the  Battalion  would  make  an  at- 
tack the  next  morning  at  4 :00  a.  m.  The  Major  was 
sent  for  by  the  Brigade  Commander  and  there  given 
definite  instructions. 

At  11 :30  p.  m.  the  enemy  attacked  our  positions 
with  a  strong  force  and  put  down  heavy  artillery  and 
machine  gun  fire  on  all  our  positions.  Our  losses  were 
comparatively  slight,  mostly  from  artillery  fire.  The 
enemy,  however,  it  was  afterward  learned  from  pris- 
oners and  from  observation  of  dead  bodies,  suffered 
very  heavy  losses  from  our  fire.  The  83rd  Company 
on  the  eastern  edge  of  the  wood  did  very  effective 
work  with  automatic  riffles  and  .o/apturied  enemjy 
machine  guns  upon  large  body  of  Germans  who  were 
attacking  Bouresches  from  the  North.  These  assaults 
broke  down  before  they  reached  our  lines. 


THIRD    BATTALION  2S 

Orders  had  been  given  to  the  Company  Command- 
ers the  night  of  the  7th  relative  to  their  positions 
in  the  attack  on  the  morning  of  the  8th  of  June.  They 
were  to  be  in  position  at  3  :00  a.  m.  The  82nd  Com- 
pany was  on  the  right  with  its  right  resting  on  the 
southeast  comer  of  the  woods.  The  83rd  Company 
was  on  the  left  of  the  82nd  Company.  Both  of  these 
companies  were  in  four  waves.  Two  platoons  of  the 
SOtli  Company  were  in  support  with  instructions  to 
protect  the  left  flank.  A  detail  of  the  2nd  Engineers 
was  detailed  to  protect  the  right  flank  and  to  ad- 
vance in  rear  of  the  right  of  the  82nd  Company  along 
the  eastern  edge  of  the  woods,  the  remaining  en- 
gineers and  two  platoons  of  the  80th  Company  were 
held  in  reserve.  The  83rd  Company  was  withdrawn 
into  the  woods  from  its  advanced  position  in  time 
to  get  into  line. 

The  attack  was  preceded  by  a  short  bombardment 
by  Stokes  Mortars.  The  Stokes  Mortars  belonged  to 
the  Stokes  Mortar  platoon  of  the  Headquarters  Com- 
pany, 6th  Regiment,  and  had  been  brought  up  and 
placed  in  position  during  the  night.  This  bombard- 
ment did  not  prove  to  be  very  effective  on  account 
of  the  density  of  the  forest  and  the  consequent  diffi- 
culty in  observing  the  fire. 

The  attack  began  as  scheduled.  The  machine  gun 
nests  were  soon  encountered  and  it  was  found  that 
they  were  well  fortified  in  the  rocks  and  held  an 
exceedingly  strong  position.  The  fire  from  these 
machine  guns  was  terrific.  They  were  also  well  sup- 
plied with  hand  grenades.    This  fire  cost  us  heavy 


24  HISTORY    OF    THE 

<jasualties  but  we  were  able  to  capture  four  machine 
rguns  and  to  kill  many  of  enemy  who  were  garrisoned 
in  this  machine  gnn  nest. 

Much  execution  was  done  by  automatic  rifles. 
Bombs  were  scarce.  The  rifles  played  the  most  im- 
portant role  and  some  enemy  were  also  killed  by  the 
bayonet. 

Hard  fighting  continued  until  about  8 :30  a.  m. 
"when  the  Battalion  Commander  found  from  personal 
observation  and  from  reports  made  to  him  that  the 
■enemy  had  many  machine  guns  placed  in  a  series  of 
strong  points  or  forts  in  such  manner  that  one 
flanked  the  other.  Four  of  these  strong  points  were 
located  and  two  surrounded  by  our  men. 

The  Battalion  Commander  being  on  the  ground 
at  the  time  became  convinced  that  he  could  not  carry 
these  forts  without  artillery  preparation  even  by  ex- 
pending all  his  forces.  He  decided  to  hold  the  ground 
gained  by  withdrawing  his  men  sufficiently  to  gain 
cover  and  dig  in.  Accordingly  the  Commander  of 
the  83rd  Company  was  directed  to  hold  his  position 
while  the  rest  of  the  forces  were  withdrawn  and 
placed  in  the  holes  and  trenches  which  had  been  con- 
structed. The  83rd  Company  was  then  placed  on 
the  left  of  the  82nd  Company  and  preparations  made 
to  hold  this  position  at  all  costs.  The  Engineers  and 
the  80th  Company  were  again  placed  in  support  posi- 
tions. These  movements  were  completed  at  about 
11 :30  a.  m.  Reconnaissance  was  then  made  of  all  im- 
mediate surrounding  country  and  a  report  made  to 


THIRD     BATTALION  25 

the  Brigade  Commander  through  a  Brigade  Staff 
officer  who  came  to  get  an  estimate  of  the  situation. 
During  the  afternoon  of  the  8th  we  were  heavily 
shelled  by  enemy  artillery  which  caused  some  casual- 
ties, the  heaviest  losses  being  borne  by  some  of  the 
platoons  of  the  80th  Company.  In  the  early  morning 
of  the  8th  the  97th  company  w^as  moved  to  woods 
about  one  kilometer  southeast  of  Bouresches.  One 
platoon  of  the  97th  Company  was  sent  to  re-enforce 
the  rest  of  this  Battalion  in  the  Bois  de  Belleau  and 
they  were  placed  in  support  near  the  80th  Company. 

The  afternoon  of  the  8th  word  was  received  from 
Brigade  Headquarters  that  the  enemy  machine  gui| 
nests  which  had  not  been  captured  would  be  sub- 
jected to  our  own  artillery  fire  and  that  our  line  on 
the  left  front  should  withdraw  slightly  in  order  to 
avoid  endangering  our  own  men.  The  following  mes- 
sage was  then  sent : 

''Hq.  Third  Btn.  8  June  1:55  p.  m. 
To:     C.  G.  4th  Brigade. 

Will  have  men  under  cover  for  artillery  fire  south 
edge  of  woods  within  125  yards  of  edge  by"  3  :00  p.  m. 
Regret  to  report  officers  and  men  are  too  much  ex- 
hausted for  further  attack  or  strong  resistance  until 
after  several  hours'  rest.  Enemy  shelling  our  posi- 
tion now.     Damage  not  serious  at  present. 

(Signed)    Sibley.' 


)  1 


In  accordance  with  instructions  the  83rd  Company 
and  Engineers  withdrew  slightly  in  the  direction  of 
the  ravine.  Cossack  posts,  however,  were  left  some- 
what in  advance.    Ammunition  was  received  during 


26  HISTORY    OF    THE 

the  day.  Cold  rations  were  carried  in  from  Lucy. 
The  following  message  was  sent  regarding  difficulty 
of  rationing  Battalion: 

"Hq.  3rd  Btn.  8  June;  2:10  p.  m. 
To:  C.  0.  6th  Regt. 

Enclosed  message  is  reply  to  message  received  di- 
rect from  Brigade  Commander.  Please  consider  mat- 
ter of  relief  and  hot  food  for  Battalion.  All  much 
exhausted.  Capt.  Coffenberg,  80th  Co.,  reports  his 
Co.  has  had  very  little  to  eat  during  the  last  two 
days  and  has  no  rations  at  present. 

(Signed)   Sibley.'' 

'*Hq.  3rd  Btn.  8  June;  2:10  p.  m. 
To:     Lt.  Col.  Lee. 

Through  some  error  the  83rd  Co.  received  no  ra- 
tions today.  Also  have  had  none  today.  Is  it  pos- 
sible to  get  something  to  them  today? 

(Signed)    Sibley." 

At  8  :30  p.  m.  orders  were  received  from  Regimental 
Headquarters  that  this  Battalion  would  be  relieved 
by  the  first  Battalion  of  the  Sixth  Regiment.  Later 
instructions,  however,  provided  for  no  relieving  Bat- 
talion to  take  our  positions.  These  were  to  be  vacated 
entirely  in  order  that  our  artillery  might  have  a  free 
hand  in  reducing  the  enemy  machine  gun  nests.  This 
Battalion  with  the  exception  of  the  84th  Company 
assembled  at  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  9th  in 
Bois  de  Platiere,  approximately  two  kilometers  south 
of  Marigny.  The  Battalion  was  then  in  Corps  Re- 
serve. The  84th  Company  was  not  relieved  from  its 
position  in  the  woods  Southwest  of  Bouresches  until 
the  night  of  June  9-10,  when  it  joined  the  Battalion. 


THIRD    BATTALION  27 

Here  we  received  our  first  hot  food  since  the  31st 
of  May.  All  men  were  given  a  chance  to  clean  up 
and  some  new  clothes  were  issued.  On  June  9th  Bat- 
talion received  replacements  of  six  officers  and  128 
men.  At  7:00  p.  m.  June  11th  the  following  order 
was  received. 

"From:     C.  G.  4th  Brigade. 

At:  P.  C.  June  11;  Hour:  6:00  p.  m.  No.  7 

To  CO.  3rd  Bn.  6th  Marines. 

Your  Battalion  is  relieved  as  Corps  Reserve  and 
detailed  as  the  Brigade  reserve.     It  will  proceed  at 
dark  tonight  to  the  woods  just  northwest  of  Lucy-le- 
Bocage.     174.0-261.5. 
(Copy  to  C.  0.  6th)  (Signed)  Harbord." 

The  Battalion  arrived  at  the  Brigade  reserve  posi- 
tion at  1 :00  a.  m.,  June  12th.  During  the  day  of 
June  12th  the  woods  were  shelled ;  casualties  five  men 
wounded. 

At  dark  on  the  night  of  June  12-13,  the  Battalion 
relieved  the  first  Battalion  of  the  5th  Marines,  taking 
over  its  positions  northeast  of  Hill  142  as  shown  on 
the  attached  sketch  "B."  One  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  replacements  and  two  officers  were  received  at 
this  time.  This  sector  was  held  until  the  night  of 
15-16  during  which  period  Battalion  was  attached 
to  Fifth  Regiment.  There  was  shelling  at  intervals 
but  very  few  casualties.  The  positions  were  improved 
and  wire  was  put  up.  On  the  night  of  the  15th-16th 
the  First  Battalion  of  the  174th  French  Infantry 
relieved  this  Battalion  which  then  proceeded  to  the 
Bois  de  Platiere  at  point  170.0-259.5  where  it  re- 


28  HISTORY    OF    THE 

mained  as  Divisional  reserve  "antil  the  night  of  June 
21-22. 

"While  in  this  position  a  few  new  clothes  and  some 
equipment  were  issued  and  the  Battalion  was  sent 
to  the  Mame  at  St.  Aulde  for  bathing. 

On  the  night  of  June  21  Battalion  relieved  the 
Third  Battalion,  5th  Regiment  as  Brigade  reserve 
in  woods  about  one  kilometer  northwest  of  Lucy-le- 
Boeage. 

On  night  of  June  22-23  Battalion  relieved  Second 
Battalion  7th  Infantry  in  southeast  corner  of  Bois 
de  Belleau.  The  97th  Company  less  one  platoon,  84th 
and  82nd  were  placed  in  the  line  from  right  to  left. 
The  83rd  and  one  platoon  of  97th  in  support.  The 
Battalion  was  shelled  while  making  relief,  casual- 
ties were  five  wounded  and  one  killed. 

The  Battalion  stayed  in  this  position  until  June 
29th.  During  stay  here  wire  was  put  up  across  the 
entire  front.  The  enemy  shelled  woods  daily  result- 
ing in  forty-five  casualties.  While  in  this  position 
frequent  night  patrols  were  made  and  the  Battalion 
Scouts  did  some  sniping  with  good  results.  The  ra- 
tions were  much  better  than  on  former  stays  in  the 
trenches.  The  men  were  often  able  to  get  hot  beans 
in  addition  to  the  usual  cold  ration.  The  Red  Cross 
and  Y.  M.  C.  A.  gave  all  companies  an  issue  of  choc- 
olate, tobacco  and  cakes  almost  daily.  This  issue 
served  to  raise  the  morale  of  the  men. 

At  7 :00  p.  m.  night  of  June  25th,  the  Third  Bat- 
talion, Fifth  Regiment,  which  was  on  our  left,  made 
an  attack.    Lieut.  Garrett  with  two  platoons  of  the 


THIRD    BATTALION  29^ 

83rd  Company  were  sent  as  support  for  this  attack. 
These  platoons  supported  the  attack  on  the  right  and 
were  returned  to  this  Battalion  early  on  the  morning 
of  June  27th.  During  the  day,  June  26th,  this  Bat- 
talion sent  approximately  twenty-five  men  to  the 
Third  Battalion  of  the  Fifth  Regiment  to  be  used 
in  taking  prisoners  to  the  rear.  These  men  were  re- 
turned by  daylight  on  the  morning  of  June  27th. 

On  the  night  of  June  29th,  the  Battalion  was  re- 
lieved by  First  Battalion,  6th  Regiment.  The  Bat- 
talion proceeded  to  Bois-de-Gros  Jean  on  the  east  side 
of  the  Paris-Metz  Road,  two  kilometers  north  of  Mon- 
treuil.  Battalion  remained  in  this  position  until 
July  5th. 

On  July  2,  1918,  eighty  men  and  four  officers  left 
Battalion  for  Paris  to  take  part  in  Fourth  of  July 
parade  of  American  Soldiers.  While  in  Bois-de-Gros: 
Jean  the  Battalion  was  issued  some  new  clothing  and 
equipment.  All  of  the  men  were  given  a  bath  in  the 
Mame. 

On  the  night  of  July  5-6  Battalion  was  relieved 
by  Third  Battalion,  103rd  Infantry.  Upon  being  re- 
lieved this  Battalion  proceeded  to  a  point  in  woods 
eight  hundred  yards  north-northwest  of  town  of 
Bezu-le-Guery.  The  Battalion  was  then  told  to  oc- 
cupy a  portion  of  the  Army  line  assigned  to  this 
Division,  to  the  right  and  left  of  Bezu-le-Guery.  On 
July  6th  Battalion  P.  G.  was  moved  into  town  of 
Bezu-le-Guery.  The  84th  Company  on  the  left  and 
the  97th  Company  on  the  right  were  placed  in  posi- 
tion along  the  army  line  to  the  North  of  town.  These 


30  HISTORY    OF    THE 

companies  covered  two  kalometers  of  the  line.  The 
82nd  and  83rd  Companies  were  held  in  reserve  about 
one  kilometer  in  rear  of  the  line.  Battalion  remained 
in  this  position  until  the  8th  of  July,  during  which 
time  work  was  done  improving  the  trench  system.  On 
July  6th,  the  Paris  detail  returned.  This  Battalion 
was  relieved  by  the  First  Battalion,  6th  Regiment 
on  afternoon  of  July  8th  and  proceeded  to  Nanteuil- 
sur-Mame  where  we  were  held  in  reserve  for  A2*my 
line.  While  at  Nanteuil  drill  was  conducted  in  small 
groups  and  swimming  instruction  was  given  daily. 
On  the  afternoon  of  July  13th  the  Battalion  moved 
to  Bezu  and  relieved  2nd  Battalion,  6th  Regiment 
on  the  Army  line  to  the  north  of  Bezu.  The  82nd  and 
83rd  Companies  were  put  into  line  and  the  84th  and 
97th  Companies  were  held  in  reserve  one  kilometer 
in  rear  of  the  line.  While  here  work  was  done  im- 
proving the  trench  system. 

The  total  casualties  for  this  Battalion  while  in  the 
Chateau  Thierry  Sector  were  one  officer  and  eighty- 
one  men  killed;  thirteen  officers  and  two  hundred 
eighty-two  men  wounded,  two  officers  dying  of 
wounds  after  reaching  hospital;  and  twenty-five  men 
missing.  When  the  Battalion  went  out  into  the  woods 
as  Corps  Reserve  a  careful  check  was  made  and  the 
casualties  during  recent  fighting  were  42  per  cent 
officers  and  40  per  cent  enlisted  men.* 

♦This  casualty  is  taken  from  message  written  on  the 
field  at  the  time  and  has  not  been  revised.  It  is,  however, 
approximately    correct. 


THIRD    BATTALION  31 

OFFENSIVE  OPERATIONS  SOISSONS  SECTOR 

In  accordance  with  instructions  from  Regimental 
Headquarters  at  6 :00  p.  m.,  July  16th,  this  Battalion 
moved  to  Nanteuil  where  they  entrained  in  camions 
at  11 :00  p.  m.  and  rode  all  night  and  until  noon 
July  17th  when  Battalion  was  put  down  from  camions 
by  order  of  the  French  officers  in  charge  at  the  cross- 
roads at  point  135,  one  kilometer  southwest  of  Bras- 
soir.  (Soissons  Map)  The  Battalion  rested  in  the 
field  while  its  commander  rode  ahead  in  an  effort 
to  secure  orders  and  gain  information  about  the  situa- 
tion. Not  finding  other  headquarters  he  was  able 
from  Corps  Headquarters  to  get  orders  to  bring  the 
Battalion  into  the  Foret-de-Retz  from  the  west  via  the 
Brassoir  railway  station.  The  march  was  begun  at 
3  :00  p.  m.  At  4  :00  p.  m.  as  the  Battalion  was  about 
to  enter  the  forest,  Lieut.  Marshall,  Battalion  Scout 
Officer,  joined  it,  having  gone  ahead  for  information 
and  succeeded  in  locating  Division  Headquarters.  He 
reported  that  regiment  was  to  participate  in  an  at- 
tack the  following  morning. 

The  march  was  continued  into  the  forest  and  at 
about  6  :00  p.  m.  temporary  Regimental  Headquarters 
was  located  and  passed.  Orders  were  received  then 
from  the  Regimental  Commander  to  push  on  to  the 
vicinity  of  Cross  Christine  (Point  168.2-268.3  Villers- 
Cotterets  map)  and  bivouac  there.  This  position 
was  reached  in  a  violent  thunderstorm  at  11 :20  p.  m. 
The  march  had  been  rendered  difficult  by  the  extrem.e- 
ly  congested  condition  of  the  roads  owing  to  the  for- 


32  HISTORY    OF    THE 

ward  movement  of  all  manner  of  military  transporta- 
tion. The  Regiment  was  then  in  Divisional  reserve 
for  the  general  allied  attack  which  was  to  begin 
the  next  morning  at  daylight.  The  Battaliofi  biv- 
ouacked at  that  point  and  took  what  rest  it  could  xm- 
til  violent  allied  artiller^^  action  at  daybreak  in  sur- 
rounding forest  gave  notice  that  the  attack  had  be- 
gun. Orders  were  received  at  9  :15  a.  m.  from  Regi- 
mental Headquarters  to  be  on  the  alert  and  be  pre- 
pard  to  move  forward.  The  order  came  at  11 :45  a. 
m.  to  move  to  Verte  Feuilleferme,  3.9  kilometers  to 
the  southeast.  There  the  Battalion  rested  until  orders 
were  received  about  6 :00  p.  m.  to  move  to  the 
vicinity  of  the  Beaure  Paire  Ferme  about  3  kilo- 
meters to  the  southeast.  This  Battalion  bivouacked 
for  the  night  of  July  18-19  in  the  woods 
near  the  point  129,  one  kilometer  south  of  Beaure 
Paire  farm.  Up  to  this  time  Battalion  had  been 
subjected  to  little  hostile  fire  and  there  had 
been  no  losses.  During  the  day  advance  had  been 
made  four  kilometers  over  what  had  been  previously 
occupied  by  the  Germans  and  this  was  still  two  kilo- 
meters behind  the  new  battle  line.  Many  hundreds 
of  prisoners  had  been  seen  passing  to  the  rear  and 
the  tremendous  amount  of  traffic  on  the  roads  of  all 
descriptions  indicated  the  large  support  that  might 
be  expected  in  our  attack.  Officers  and  men  were 
in  high  spirits  and  eager  to  take  their  part  in  the 
work  of  the  advance. 

Major  Sibley  was  called  to  Regimental  Headquar- 
ters in  the  field  south  of  Beaure  Paire  farm  about 


THIRD     BATTALION  33 

4:25  a.  m.  the  next  morning,  July  19.  There  it  was 
explained  to  him  that  this  Regiment  would  attack 
the  German  line  east  of  Vierzy  that  morning.  He 
was  given  a  map  and  ordered  to  report  mth  the  Bat- 
talion to  the  Regimental  Commander  at  Vierzy.  The 
First  Battalion  was  to  attack  on  the  right  of  the  Regi- 
mental sector,  the  Second  Battalion  on  the  left  withi 
the  Third  Battalion  in  reserve.  It  was  understood 
that  the  hour  set  for  the  attack  was  8:00  a.  m.  with 
previous  artillery  preparation.  Battalion  was  put  in 
march  as  soon  as  possible,  congested  roads  and  the 
fact  that  it  had  to  halt  to  permit  the  two  Bat- 
talions going  into  the  front  line  to  pass,  prevented  its 
arrival  in  the  town  of  Vierzy  until  about  8:15  a.  m. 
The  First  and  Second  Battalions  were  at  that  time 
forming  for  the  attack.  Verbal  instructions  were  re- 
ceived from  Regimental  Commander  at  his  Head- 
quarters, which  were  then  established  under  a  cliffi 
in  the  southeastern  edge  of  the  town  of  Vierzy,  that 
this  Battalion  should  follow  the  advance  of  the  other 
two  Battalions  at  a  distance  of  about  one  thousand 
yards  and  to  be  in  a  position  to  support  the  other 
battalions.  Company  Commanders  were  called  to- 
gether, the  situation  explained  and  the  objective  of 
the  Regiment  pointed  out  to  them  on  the  one  avail- 
able map.  They  were  also  informed  that  the  Bat- 
talion P.  C.  would  advance  to  the  eastward  along  a 
designated  trail. 

There  being  no  cover  available,  the  companies  im- 
mediately began  taking  their  positions  in  the  open 
wheatfield   under   aerial    observation    and   subjected 


34  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  shell  fire.  Each  company  was  in  four  lines  (lines 
of  combat  groups),  the  97th  Company  on  the  right, 
the  84th  right  center,  the  83rd  left  center  and  the 
82nd  on  the  left. 

The  P.  C.  of  the  Battalion  was  established  at  about 
9:00  a.  m.  in  the  eastern  end  of  the  ravine,  half  a 
kilometer  due  east  of  point  112  and  all  companies 
notified  of  this.  At  that  time  and  place  the  follow- 
ing organizations  reported  to  IMajor  Sibley  for  duty 
and  support.  One  platoon  each  from  the  73rd  and 
81st  machine  gun  companies  and  also  the  15th  and 
77th  machine  gun  companies  complete.  The  Regi- 
mental Headquarters  Company  reported,  less  certain 
signal  groups  -and  other  details.  The  Stokes  mortar 
and  one  pounder  platoons  were  without  their  Stokes 
mortars  and  37mm.  guns  as  these  had  been  left  with 
the  Regimental  train  which  had  not  arrived  from 
Nanteuil.  The  detachments  from  the  73rd,  81st  and 
Headquarters  companies  were  placed  in  the  ravine 
in  rear  of  the  Battalion  P.  C.  Machine  gun  com- 
panies were  directed  to  take  cover  in  Vierzy  and 
hold  themselves  in  readiness. 

By  9 :15  a.  m.  all  companies  of  the  Third  Battalion 
had  reported  in  position. 

At  about  9:45  a.  m.  the  following  message  waa 
received : 

*'From:     C.  0.  6th  Regt. 

At:  P.   C. 

Date:         19  July  1918 — 8:55  a.  m.  No.  5  by  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  3rd  Bn. 

Upon  arrival  of  the  attack  on  the  line  now  held 


THIRD    BATTALION  35 

by  our  troops  about  one  and  one-half  (Ij^)  kilo- 
meters east  of  Vierzy,  you  will  be  succeeded  by  the 
1st  Bn.  2nd  En^s.  as  reserve.  You  will  then  re- 
inforce the  line  in  the  center  between  the  1st  and 
2nd  Bns.  two  Cos  in  the  line  in  waves  and  two  in  lo- 
cal support.  (Signed)    Lee." 

Upon  receipt  of  this  message  the  84th  Company 
was  sent  to  re-enforce  the  left  of  the  First  Battalion 
and  the  83rd  Company  to  re-enforce  the  right  of  the 
Second  Battalion,  it  being  understood  that  there  was 
an  uncovered  gap  between  the  two  battalions.  The 
97th  and  82nd  Companies  remained  in  support.  The 
following  message  was  then  sent  to  Colonel  Lee: 

''From:  Hq.   3rd   Btn.   6th. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date:  19  July  18—9  :50  a.  m. 

To:  C.   0.   6th. 

Attacking  line  is  moving  forward.  No  details  re- 
ceived. Have  sent  84th  company  to  reinforce  left 
of  first  battalion  and  83rd  company  to  reinforce 
right  of  2nd  Btn.  97th  is  in  position  on  right  of  84th 
with  orders  to  hold  that  position  as  support.  82nd 
company  is  in  a  position  on  left  of  83rd  company 
with  orders  to  hold  that  position  as  a  support.  My 
P.  C.  is  now  at  the  east  end  of  ravine  just  east  of 
cemetery.  Expect  to  advance  along  road  to  the  east- 
ward. Headquarters  company  and  two  M.  G.  pla- 
toons are  in  same  ravine  with  me.  15th  and  77th. 
M.  G.   Companies  are  in  vicinity  of  cemetery. 

(Signed)   Sibley" 

At  10:10  a.  m.  these  messages  were  sent: 


36  HISTORY    OP    THE 

**From:  Hq.  3rd  Btn. 

At:  P.   C. 

Bate:  19  July  1918—10:10  a.  m. 

To:  Noble    (83rd  Co.) 

Keep  in  touch  with  Karstaedt  on  your  right  so  as 
to  fill  any  gap  that  may  occur  between  the  1st  and 
2nd  Btns.     Move  into  line  with  those  Btns.  at  once. 

(Signed)    Sibley" 

*'From:  Hq.  3rd  Btn. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date:  19  July  1918—10:10  a.  m. 

To:  Karstaedt  (84th  Co.) 

Keep  in  close  touch  with  Noble  on  your  left  so 
as  to  fill  any  gap  between  the  1st  and  2nd  Btns. 
Move  up  into  line  with  those  Btns.  at  once. 

(Signed)    Sibley' 


,'  > 


Necessary  movement  of  runners  and  scouts  in  the 
vicinity  of  our  P.  C.  and  observation  from  low  fly- 
ing enemy  planes  soon  brought  down  a  very  heavy  fire 
from  the  enemy  artillery  upon  the  ravine  in  which 
P.  C.  was  located.  Several  of  these  high  explosive 
shells  landed  directly  in  the  ravine  and  caused  rather 
heavy  casualties  among  the  Battalion  Scouts,  Head- 
quarters Company  and  some  of  the  machine  gun  units. 
Some  machine  guns  were  put  out  of  commission. 

By  10:30  a.  m.  the  84th  and  83rd  companies,  sent 
forward  to  re-enforce  the  first  and  2nd  Battalions 
had  joined  the  first  line  and  were  participating  in 
the  attack.  Reports  from  the  Scout  Officer  who  had 
been  sent  forward  about  9  :10  a.  m.  and  had  established 
an  observation  post  at  the  point  where  the  Battalion 
P.   C.  was  later  established,  indicated  that  the  ad- 


THIRD     BATTALION  37 

vanced  line  was  at  that  time  (10:30  a.  m.)  two  kilo- 
meters east  of  Vierzy.  The  Scout  Officer's  report 
also  stated  that  the  troops  were  being  subjected  to 
very  heavy  direct  enemy  artillery  fire  and  to  the 
cross-fire  from  numerous  German  machine  guns  ad- 
vantageously placed  in  the  woods  to  the  front  and 
flanks.  During  this  time  nothing  was  heard  from  our 
own  artillery. 

At  about  10:40  a.  m.  reports  came  from  both  the 
84th  and  the  83rd  companies  that  they  had  suffered 
very  heavy  casualties,  at  that  time  estimated  to  be 
over  sixty  per  cent,  and  that  further  advance  was 
almost  impossible  without  re-enforcements.  Liaison 
between  adjoining  companies  was  maintained  but 
was  rendered  extremely  difficult  because  of  the  open 
country  and  the  activity  of  snipers,  machine  guns 
and  direct  artillery  fire.  At  about  10:45  a.  m.  the 
Battalion  P.  C.  began  moving  to  cross-roads  about 
200  yards  south  of  the  point  8160.  At  10:55  a.  m. 
the  follov/ing  message  was  sent: 

''From:  Hq.  3rd  Btn. 

At:  P.    C. 

Date:  19  July  1918 — 10:55  a.  m.  by  runner. 

To:  C.   0.   6th. 

Your  message  saying  your  P.  C.  moving  just  re. 
ceived.  My  P.  C.  at  that  point  at  present.  Am  look- 
ing for  another  one.     Shelling  in  this  vicinity  now. 

(Signed)   Sibley." 

Shortly  after  11:00  a.  m.  a  runner  from  the  83rd 
Company  Commander  reported  that  the  83rd  com- 
pany was  held  up  by  a  machine  gun  fire  on  the  left. 


38  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  g-eneral  situation  on  that  flank  appeared  to  be 
serious  and  the  82nd  company,  held  in  support,  was 
ordered  to  re-inforce  the  front  line,  advancing  east- 
ward along  the  line  taken  by  the  83rd  company, 
(left  center),  and  to  connect  up  the  line  between 
that  company  and  the  2nd  battalion. 

On  the  right  the  84th  Company,  after  suffering 
heavy  casualties,  dashed  across  the  remaining  open 
space  and  occupied  a  strong  point  in  the  woods  half 
a  kilometer  north  of  Tigny.  The  company  commander 
having  been  evacuated,  what  was  left  of  the  com- 
pany was  now  led  by  Lt.  Mason.  Twenty-six  men, 
including  1  officer,  4  machine  guns,  1  trench  mortar 
and  a  projector  ;were  captured.  The  position  taken 
was  an  unusually  strong  one  and  as  shown  by  in- 
formation subsequently  received  was  considered  by 
the  enemy  an  important  strong  point.  Just  prior  ta 
this  the  reports  received  from  the  84th  company 
and  from  the  1st  Battalion  indicating  heavy  casual- 
ties, caused  Major  Sibley  to  order  the  97th  company 
from  a  support  position  into  the  line  with  orders 
to  re-inforce  the  left  of  the  first  battalion  and  con- 
nect up  with  the  84th  company. 

At  that  time  the  town  of  Tigny  was  still  held  by 
the  Germans  and,  according  to  report  received  from 
Major  Hughes  of  the  first  battalion,  nothing  less 
than  a  regiment  would  be  able  to  drive  them  out. 
The  following  message  was  sent  to  Col.  Lee,  the 
Regimental  Commander: 


THIRD    BATTALION  39 

''From:     Hq.  3rd  Btn.  6th. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date:         19  July  1918,  by  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  6th. 

Scout  officer  has  just  returned  from  Major 
Hughes.  Says  that  Hughes  is  in  a  cut  in  road  whose 
co-ordinates  are  285-178.9  and  that  he  has  but  about 
100  men  left.  97th  as  well  as  84th  have  reinforced 
him  and  they  are  nearly  all  casualties.  Germans 
still  hold  Tigny.  Major  Hughes  stated  need  rein- 
forcements badly,  nothing  less  than  a  regiment  suf- 
ficient. (Signed)      Sibley.  T 

During  the  progress  of  the  fight  the  platoon  of  the 
81st  company  and  the  77th  machine  gun  company 
had  been  detached  from  this  command  by  regimental 
orders  and  assigned  to  duty  elsewhere.  The  separate 
platoon  from  the  73rd  company  and  the  15th  machine 
gun  company  and  also  the  headquarters  company, 
however,  still  remained  as  reserve  for  this  battalion. 
Shortly  before  midday  an  urgent  request  was  re- 
ceived from  the  84th  company  for  re-inforcements. 
The  Headquarters  company  and  the  platoon  from  the 
73rd  machine  gun  company  were  then  ordered  to  re- 
enforce  Lt.  Mason  in  the  strong  point  held  by  him 
and  the  remaining  officers  and  men  of  the  84th  com- 
pany. The  following  message  was  then  sent  to  Regi- 
mental Commander: 

"From:     Hq.  Third  Btn.  6th. 

At:  P.   C. 

Date:         19  Julv  1918—12:05  p.  m.  by  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  6th. 

In  reply  to  your  verbal  message,  97th  company  is 
now  with  Major  Hughes,  approximately  179-285,  has 


40  HISTORY    OF    THE 

about  50  men  left.    84th  company  is  between  97th. 

and  83rd.     Has  about  40  men.     83rd  Co.  is  about 

179-286,  estimated  about  50  per  cent  casualties,  82nd 

Co.  has  been  sent  to  reinforce  83rd  Co.  on  its  left; 

casualties  unknown,  said  to  be  heavy.    Headquarters 

Co.   is  now  advancing"  to  support  84th   Co.   on  its 

right.     Their  casualties  unknown.     Vicinity  of  this 

P.  C.  now  being  shelled. 

(Signed)   Sibley. '^ 

(Note) — Information  had  not  reached  the  Battalion 
Commander  at  this  time  that  the  77th  company  and 
the  platoon  of  the  81st  company  had  been  disposed 
of  by  the  Regimental  Commander. 

The  15th  machine  gun  company  was  ordered  to 
re-inforce  the  reserve  line  occupied  by  the  2nd 
engineers. 

At  about  12 :40  p.  m.  the  following  message  was 
received  from  the  Regimental  Commander: 

*'From:     C.  O.  6th. 

At:  P.   C. 

Date :         19  July  1918—12  :15  p.  m.  No.  9  by  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  3rd  Btn. 

Has  the  town  of  Tingy  been  taken  by  our  troops? 
If  you  don't  know  find  out.  If  you  are  stopped,  dig 
in.  There  are  French  troops  on  our  right.  Ammuni- 
tion for  M.  G.  and  Chauchat  has  been  asked  for. 

(Signed)  Lee." 

At  12 :45  p.  m.  the  following  message  sent  to  all 
companies : 


THIRD     BATTALION  41 

''From;  Ilq.  3rd  Btn.  6th. 

At:  P.   C. 

Date:  19  July  1918—12:45  p.  m. 

To:  All  Companies. 

Hold  the  line  you  now  have — dig  in — g:et  in  touch 
with   Cos  on  your  right   and  left.     Reinforcements 

coming.  (Signed)  Sibley." 

At  12:50  p.  m.  the  following  message  was  sent  to 
Regimental  Commander: 

''From:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn.  6th. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date:         19  Julv  1918—12:50  p.  m.  by  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  6th. 

Tigny  had  not  been  taken  by  our  troops  at  12:00 
noon.  Believe  it  has  not  been  taken  since.  Am  send- 
ing to  verify  this.  Have  just  received  information 
that  enemy  is  massing  troops  to  front  and  left  of  our 
84th  Company.  Have  no  further  troops  to  send  to 
their  assistance  or  to  stop  enemy  counter  attack.  Re- 
ported ammunition  getting  short.  Can  some  be  sent 
from  rear?  I  have  no  troops  to  send  back  for  am- 
munition.    Have  ordered  cc«npanies  to  dig  in. 

(Signed)   Sibley." 

"From:     Hq.  3rd  Btn.  6th. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date:         19  July  1918 — 1:20  p.  m.  by  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  6th. 

1 :15  p.  m.  Scout  has  just  returned  and  says  that 
Tingy  has  not  been  taken.  Major  Hughes  sent  word 
that  he  is  trving  to  hold  what  he  now  has  and  that 
he  was  expecting  reinforcements  from  this  Battalion. 
I  have  no  more  troopsi  to  send  him. 

(Signed)   Sibley." 


42  HISTORY    OF    THE 

At  about  2:30  p.  m.  it  became  necessary  to  have 
the  exact  location  of  the  companies  and  Lieutenant 
Marshall,  the  Scout  officer,  was  sent  to  get  this  in- 
formation. 

At  about  4 :00  p.  m.  the  Battalion  P.  C.  was  moved 
about  200  yards  to  the  southward  and  located  in  a  cut 
in  the  road  to  give  a  little  better  cover. 

At  about  4:30  p.  m.  the  following  message  was  re- 
ceived : 

''From:     C.  0.  6th  Regt. 
At:  P.  C. 

Date :         19  July  1918—3  :45  p.  m.  No.  10  by  runner. 
To:  C.   0.  1st,  2nd,  3rd  Btns.,  Hqrs.   Co.,  1st 

En.,   2nd  Engrs. 

The  Division  Commander  directs  us  to  dig  in  and 
hold  our  present  line  at  all  costs.  No  further  ad- 
vance will  be  made  for  the  present.  He  congratulates 
the  command  on  its  gallant  conduct  in  the  face  of 
severe  casualties. 

Let  me  have  a  sketch  of  your  position  and  dispo- 
sition. Ammunition  at  crossroads  122  southeavSt  of 
Vierzy.  (Signed)    Lee." 

This  message  was  sent  in  reply: 
"From:     Hq.  3rd  Btn.  6th  Marines. 
At:  P.  C. 

Date:         19  July  1918—5  :00  p.  m.  No.  6  by  runner. 
To:  C.  0.  6th  Regt. 

Your  No.  10  just  received — trying  to  consolidate 
positions  and  get  companies  into  some  kind  of  a  line 
where  they  can  dig  in  and  hold.  Accompanying 
sketch  shows  best  information  we  have  regarding  dis- 
position. Believe  positions  of  companies  somewhat 
inaccurate.  Am  checkicg  this  up  and  will  forward 
another  sketch  later. 

(Signed)    Sibley,  per  Bellamy." 


THIRD    BATTALION  43 

After  Lieutenant  Marshall's  return  from  the  front 
line  with  definite  information  as  to  the  positions  of 
the  companies,  the  following  report  was  sent  to  the 
Regimental  Commander: 

''From:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date :         19  July  1918—8 :05  p.  m.  No.  7  by  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  6th  Regt. 

Lieut.  Marshall  has  just  returned  from  a  most  per- 
ilous trip  which  he  voluntarily  made  to  our  entire 
front  line.  Am  enclosing  sketch  of  positions  held 
at  present.  Situation  worse  than  I  had  wished  to 
believe.  According  to  best  information  received 
present  strength  is  as  follows: 

97th   Co 4   Officers 50  men 

84th    Co 3    Officers 50  men 

83rd   Co 4   Officers 100  men 

82nd  Co 4  Officers 140  men 

Hqrs.  Co.   ( ?)  .  .   1  Officer 45  men 

16  385 

Also  Battalion  Hqrs.  4  officers  30  men.  Strength 
of  Bn.  (estimated)  this  morning  was  36  officers,  850 
men.  So  far  as  known  those  unaccounted  for  are 
casualties.  Quite  likely  some  can  be  located  later. 
It  is  reported  that  the  fields  between  our  P.  C.  and 
the  front  contain  many  killed  and  wounded.  No 
facilities  here  for  sending  out  wounded  unable  to 
walk. 

Under  present  conditions  it  wdll  be  very  difficult 
to  reorganize  companies  even  under  cover  of  dark- 
ness. Will  continue  holding  line  until  we  can  be  re- 
enforced  or  relieved.  Companies  have  done  all  dig- 
ging possible  under  circumstances.  Will  continue 
to  dig  in  all  that  conditions  permit. 


44  HISTORY    OP    THE 

On  account  of  greatly  weakened  fighting  force  im- 
practicable to  send  out  carrying  parties  to  bring 
enough  necessary  water  and  provisions.  In  front 
line  canteens  are  practically  all  empty  and  very  fewi 
remaining  rations.  Can  water  and  rations  be  sent  to 
us  or  a  relief  sent?  We  have  no  flares,  pyrotechnics 
or  flare  pistols,  have  no  hand  grenades.  Consider- 
able amount  of  rifle  ammunition  remaining.  Also 
some  Chauchat.  Many  of  their  chauchats  out  of  ac- 
tion because  of  loss  of  men. 

(Signed)   Sibley." 

During  these  operations  and  during  the  entire  day 
communications  were  accomplished  with  extreme 
difl:iculty.  The  Battalion  P.  C.  was  under  continu- 
ous hostile  artillery  fire,  also  aeroplane  observation 
and  occasional  fire  from  their  machine  guns.  There 
was  great  need  for  water  all  along  the  line  and  wound- 
ed were  sent  to  the  rear  only  with  great  difficulty. 
Because  of  the  lack  of  stretchers  only  walking  cases 
could  be  moved.  It  had  not  been  possible  to  serve 
a  meal  before  the  march  was  begun  that  morning 
and  a  small  amount  of  reserve  rations  were  all  that 
the  men  had  to  eat. 

Notwithstanding  the  great  difficulty,  reduced 
fighting  strength  of  the  companies  and  the  exhaus- 
tion of  the  men  and  their  lack  of  food  and  water  for 
eighteen  hours,  preparations  were  made  for  the  con- 
solidation of  the  positions  gained  during  the  battle. 
Plans  were  made  with  the  assistance  and  co-opera- 
tion of  the  first  Battalion,  2nd  Engineers  under 
Major  Fox,  to  dig  trenches  and  put  up  wire  as  soon 
as  dusk  obscured  enemy  observation  it  was  possible 


THIRD     BATTALION  45 

to  move  the  wounded  from  the  front  line  to  the  rear. 
Motor  trucks  from  the  supply  train  assisted  in  this 
work. 

At  8 :30  p.  m.  the  following  message  was  received  ; 

''From:  C.  0.  6th  Regiment. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date:  19  July  1918—7:30  p.  m.  by  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  3rd  Bn.,  1st  Bn.,  2nd  Bn. 

You  will  have  guides  for  three  companies  of  your 
battalion  at  the  crossroads  southwest  of  Vierzy  about 
south  of  letter  ''R"  in  Vierzy,  co-ordinate  176.2- 
285.7  at  nine  thirty  (9:30)  p.  m.  tonight,  your  en- 
tire battalion  will  be  relieved  and  also  Hqrs.  Co.,  but 
guides  for  three  companies  are  required  as  a  French 
Battalion  only  consists  of  three  (3)  companies.  Bring 
in  all  wounded  when  relieved. 

By  direction,  (Signed)  W.  H.  Sitz, 

Capt.  U.  S.  M.  C 

In  accordance  with  the  above  order  guides  from 
this  battalion  arrived  at  the  designated  rendezvous 
at  the  hour  specified,  and  at  midnight  were  in  turn 
met  by  the  fii^t  Battalion  of  the  11th  Tirrailleurs 
(French).  Relief  by  this  Battalion  began  about  1 
a.  m.  and  was  completed  at  4 :30  a.  m. 

The  companies  when  relieved  assembled  in  the 
woods  south  of  Beaure  Paire  farm  where  rations  had 
been  provided  by  the  Battalion  Quartermaster  and 
they  were  given  breakfast.  In  accordance  with  orders 
received  from  the  Regimental  Commander  the  Bat- 
talion was  marched  at  8  :15  a.  m.  to  the  edge  of  the 
Foret  de  Retz  near  Translor  Farm  and  bivouacked 
there  with  the  rest  of  the  Regiment.    At  this  time  a 


46 


HISTORY    OF    THE 


check  was  made  and  losses  during  the  previous  day's 
fighting  were  estimated  as  follows: 


w 

f 

^ 

.-». 
m 

ego 

(0 

e 

m 

P  P 

«5*cr?3 

^  2 

Cu 

• 

3 

c 

a-    '< 

• 

• 

(T 

• 

a 

O.'    M.  1 

O.  M. 

O. 

M. 

O.  M.  1 

O.   M. 

Btn.  Hdqrs. 

5    6 

82nd  Co 

6  217 

0   4 

1 

55 

0   10 

1   69 

83rd  Co 

6  212 

0   5 

3 

51 

0   2 

3   58 

84th  Co.... 

7   201 

0   6 

4 

72 

0   23 

4  101 

97th  Co.... 

7   213 

0   12 

4 

105 

0  15 

4  132 

Total.  .  . 

31,  849 

0  27 

12 

283 

0  50 

12  360 

O. 
5 
5 
3 
3 
3 


M. 
6 

148 

154 

10  0 

81 


The  casualties  amounted  to  39  per  cent  of  the  of- 
ficers and  42  per  cent  of  the  men  present  with  the 
Battalion  on  the  morning  of  July  19th.* 

The  advance  which  this  Battalion  made  in  the  bat- 
tle was  over  an  open  stretch  of  two  and  one-half  or 
three  kilometers.  Half  of  this  distance,  however,  was 
behind  the  lines  already  occupied  by  our  troops  but 
nevertheless  exposed  to  continuous  enemy  artillery 
fire.  The  advance  of  the  companies  was  in  all  cases 
cool  and  fearless  in  the  face  of  tremendous  hostile 
fire.  They  were  stopped  only  when  loss  in  numbers 
made  further  advance  impossible. 

"While  in  bivouac  near  Translor  Farm  July  20th, 
the  Battalion  suffered  three  casualties  from  falling 
tree  trunks  and  during  the  night  of  July  20-21  was 
subjected  to  intermittent  long  range  shell  fire.  Seven- 
teen casualties,  including  one  death,  resulted  fromi 
this. 


♦This   is   orig-inal   estimate,   made  July   20th,    and   has   not 
been   corrected   to   comply  with   latest   revised   reports. 


THIRD     BATTALION  47 

At  noon  July  21  Battalion  moved  about  three  kil- 
ometers westward  to  a  point  near  St.  Christine,  where 
a  halt  was  made  until  7  :25  p.  m.,  when,  in  accord- 
ance w4th  orders  from  Regimental  Headquarters,  the 
Battalion  moved  ten  kilometers  due  west  to  a  point 
near  Taille-Fontaine.  On  July  23  some  clothes  were 
issued. 

TRAININO 

This  battalion  joined  Regimental  column  at  3 :00 
a.  m.,  July  24.  Regiment  marched  westward  approxi- 
mately fifteen  kilometers  and  bivouacked  for  night  in 
woods  one  kilometer  southwest  of  town  of  Levignen. 
At  8  :00  a.  m.  next  day  Regiment  marched  to  the  town 
of  Nanteuil-le-Haudouin  and  battalion  was  billeted 
there.  A  training  program  was  put  into  effect  here. 
Remained  in  this  town  until  7  :00  a.  m.  July  31  when 
battalion  entrained  and  proceeded  to  Nancy,  arriv- 
ing there  August  1,  1918  at  10  :30  a.  m. 

The  wagon  train  and  troops  were  unloaded  one 
kilometer  outside  of  the  city  limits  and  marched  15 
kilometers  to  Chaligiiy-le-Mont  where  our  advance 
billeting  party  met  the  incoming  battalion  at  about 
6  p.  m. 

The  batallion  stayed  in  this  town  from  August  1st 
to  August  7th,  during  which  time  daily  drills  by 
companies  were  carried  out,  as  well  as  swimming  in- 
structions for  the  entire  battalion.  While  in  this 
place  about  5  per  cent  of  the  battalion  were  allowed 
a  short  liberty  in  Nancy,  the  first  liberty  in  several 
months. 


48  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Field  Order  No.  21,  Second  Division,  Au^st  5, 
1918,  received  August  6,  1918,  directed  a  change 
of  station,  the  Division  taking  over  the  sector  of  Mar- 
bache.  This  battalion  was  to  move  on  August  7  to 
Sexey-le-Bois  and  Aingeray,  but  the  following  order 
received  on  morning  of  August  7,  1918,  changed  our 
destination  to  Liverdun. 

''Headquarters  Second  Division    (Regular) 
American   Expeditionary   Forces. 

France,  5  August  1918. 
From:     Chief  of  Staff. 

To:  Commanding  General,  4th  Brigade. 

Subject:  Station  of  troops. 

1.  The  Division  Commander  directs  me  to  trans- 
mit to  you  the  following  instructions: 

Under  orders  from  Headquarters,  32nd  Army 
Corps,  (French)  the  battalion  of  6th  Marines,  or- 
dered to  proceed  to  Sexey-le-Bois^ — Aingeray,  on 
August  7,  for  station  will  instead  proceed  to  Liver- 
dun  for  station.  The  battalion  will  march  via  Sexey- 
le-Bois  in  time  to  arrive  at  Liverdun  NOT  EARLIER 
than  1  p.  m.,  August  7,  1918. 

PRESTON  BROWN, 
Colonel,  General  Staff,  Chief  of  Staff." 

In  accordance  with  this  order  at  2  p.  m.  on  August 
7th  the  Battalion  left  Chaligny-leMont  and  proceeded 
to  the  town  of  Liverdun,  a  distance  of  approximately 
22  kilometers,  arriving  there  at  about  7:30  p.  m. 

This  battalion  was  in  reserve  in  "barrage  position'^ 
at  Liverdun,  together  with  2nd  Battalion  of  23rd 
Infantry.  The  following  message  was  sent  after  our 
arrival  in  Liverdun. 


THIRD     BATTALION  49 

Headquarters,  Third  Battalion,  Sixth.  Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  A.  E.  F. 

France,  7  August,  1918. 
MEMORANDUM.      For  Reg-imental    Commander. 

1.  In  accordance  with  Division  Field  Order  No. 
21,  August  5  as  modified  by  Division  letter  of  6  Aug- 
ust, 1918,  this  battalion  left  Chaligny  at  2:00  p.  m., 
proceeded  to  Liverdun  and  took  station  there  at  7 :30 
p.  m.,  this  date.  15th  Machine  Gun  Company  ar- 
rived from  Haudiomont  and  took  station  with  this 
Battalion.  B.  W.  Sibley, 

Major,  U.  S.  M.  C,  Commanding  Btn." 

The  following  communication  was  received  on 
August  7  relative  to  the  barrage  position: 

''Headquarters,   Second  Division    (Regular.) 
Ajuerican   Expeditionary  (Forces. 

France,  6  August,  1918. 
From:     Chief  of  Staff. 
To:  C.  G.,  4th  Brigade. 

Subject:  Barrage  Position. 

1.  The  Battalion  of  the  23rd  Infantry,  stationed 
at  Liverdun  and  the  Battalion  of  the  6th  Marines, 
stationed  at  Sexey-le-Bois,  on  completion  of  the  move- 
ment of  the  division  to  the  Marbache  sector  will  oc- 
cupy the  barrage  position.  The  senior  battalion  com- 
mander of  the  two  battalions  will  command  the  troops 
occupying  this  barrage  position. 

2.  Please  direct  Major  Sibley,  6th  Marines,  Com- 
manding Officer  of  the  battalion  at  Sexey-le-Bois, 
to  call  on  and  confer  with  Colonel  Jacques,  145th 
Territorial  Infantry  (French)  at  Sexey-le-Bois,  with 
the  least  practicable  delay  and  obtain  full  informa- 
tion and  instructions  about  the  position. 

By  Command  of  Major  General  LeJeune: 
PRESTON  BROWN, 
Colonel,  General  Staff,  Chief  of  Staff. 


50  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Hq.  4th  Brigade,  Marine  Corps,  Am.  E.  F. 

6  August,  1918 
To:     Major  Sibley,  6th  Marines. 

1.     Forwarded  for  your  information. 

By  command  of  Brigadier  General  Neville: 

(Signed)   Carl  R.  Dietrich,  2nd  Lt. 

For  and  in  the  absence  of 

H.  Lay,  Major,  Adjutant." 

The  battalion  remained  in  this  town  until  the  14th 
of  August.  During  this  time  there  were  billeted  in 
the  same  town  the  2nd  Battalion,  23rd  Infantry;  a 
detachment  of  the  24th  Regt.  of  Engrs. ;  the  15th  Ma- 
chine Gun  Company,  which  was  assigned  to  this  bat- 
talion, and  numerous  French  troops,  which  made 
the  procuring  of  drinking  water  difficult.  A  regular 
routine,  consisting  of  drills,  swimming  instructions, 
etc.,  was  arranged  and  carried  out  during  the  stay 
in  this  place.  Plans  were  also  made  with  the  French 
Engineers  for  working  on  the  trench  system  of  the 
barrage  position.  Here  also,  liberty  parties  consist- 
ing of  25  per  cent  of  each  company  were  allowed  24 
hours  in  the  city  of  Nancy.  Several  nights  German 
bombing  planes  passed  over  this  place  and  dropped 
bombs,  none  of  which  landed  in  the  city  and  no 
casualties  resulted. 

On  August  8th  Major  Sibley  received  notification 
of  his  promotion  to  Lieutenant  Colonel.  On  August 
9th  notification  was  received  that  seven  days'  leave 
for  5  per  cent  of  the  officers  and  men  would  be 
granted.  Two  officers  left  on  August  11th,  but 
leaves  for  men  were  not  received  from  Regimental 
Headquarters  until  August  25. 


THIRD    BATTALION  51 

At  9:16  a.  m.  August  14  the  following  telephone 
message  was  received  while  the  battalion  was  in  the 
field : 

''Telephone   message    Syke-6.    at   2nd   Division   Hq. 

9:16  a.  m.  August  14,  1918. 

This  message  just  received:  Copy  to  Col.  Sibley 
and  Maj.  Fechet. 

' '  The  two  battalions  at  Liverdun  must  be  ready  to 
march  at  1 :00  p.  m.  today.  Going  to  an  area  where 
will  be  cut  off  from  the  railhead  for  a  couple  of  days. 
Better  take  4  or  5  days'  rations  if  you  can  get  them. 
Inspect  your  billets  as  other  troops  will  be  in  and 
an  inspector  will  be  over  from  Div.  Headqrs.  also. 
Leave  no  salvage  here." 
Received  by  Sgt.  Major  Akers, 
3rd  Btn.,  6th  Marines. 

At  12 :30  p.  m.  the  same  date  the  following  was  re- 
ceived : 

''ORDERS  received  from  Division  Headquarters  by 

telephone,  12:30  p.  m.,  Aug.  14,  1918. 
To:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn.,  6th  Marines. 

You  will  give  the  necessary  orders  for  the  move- 
ment at  1 :00  p.  m.,  August  14th  of  the  3rd  Btn.,  6th 
Marines  and  the  2nd  Btn.,  23rd  Infantry  to  Chal- 
igny  where  you  will  receive  further  orders.  Four 
to  five  days'  rations  should  be  carried.  The  billeting 
capacity  of  Chaligny  is  57  officers  and  2,300  men. 
(Reed. V  Lt.  Pierce.)" 

In  accordance  with  the  above  the  battalion  left 
Liverdun  shortly  after  1 :00  p.  m.,  arrived  at  Chal- 
igny about  7  :30  p.  m.  and  was  billeted  for  the  night. 
At  12 :30  a.  m.,  August  15,  the  following  was  re- 
ceived : 


52  HISTORY     OF    THE 


( i 


Headquarters,    Second   Division, 
American  Expeditionary  Forces. 

France,  August  14,  1918,  10 :30  p.  m. 
MEMORANDUM    FOR    0.     0.,     Third    Battalion, 
Sixth  Marines,  and  C.  0.,  Second  Battalion, 
Twenty-third  Infantry : 
Moves  for  Aug'ust  fifteenth  (15th)  : 
Third  Battalion,  Sixth  Marines,  to  Autreville. 
Second  Battalion,  Twenty-third  Infantry,  to  Ger- 
miny. 

Rations  will  be  delivered  to  above  places  on  the 
afternoon  of  August  fifteenth    (15). 

By  command  of  Major  General  LeJeune: 
J.  C.  RHEA, 
Colonel,  General  Staff,  A.  C.  of  S.,  G-3." 

In  accordance  with  the  above  the  Battalion  marched 
at  9  :00  a.  m.,  a  billeting  party  having  left  at  8  a.  m. 

The  march  was  made  at  a  steady  pace  and  halts 
were  made  for  dinner  and  supper.  The  Battalion 
arrived  at  Autreville  at  about  9:15  p.  m.  with  no 
absentees  after  a  total  of  about  50  kilometers  of 
marching  in  a  day  and  one-half. 

This  niove  was  made  in  accordance  with  Field 
Orders  No.  22,  2nd  Division,  August  14,  11 :00  a.  m., 
which  orders,  however,  were  not  received  by  us  until 
the  night  of  15  August,  1918. 

The  Battalion  remained  at  Autreville  until  Aug- 
ust 21  and  followed  a  regular  routine  of  drills,  etc. 
About  8  :30  p.  m.,  August  20,  verbal  orders  were  re- 
ceived to  move  out  at  7 :00  a.  m.  the  following  morn- 
ing for  Camp  Bois-de-rEveque,  28  kilometers  away. 
The  start  was  made  as  per  instructions  at  7 :00  a,  m. 
and  the  camp  was  reached  at  about  6 :30  p.  m.    Dur- 


THIRD     BATTALION  53 

ing  the  stay  at  this  camp  a  specified  routine  was  fol- 
lowed out  consisting  of  practice  maneuvers,  gas  in- 
struction, bombing  practice  and  rifle  range  prac- 
tice. 

On  Sunday,  August  25th,  the  Battalion  participated 
in  the  ceremonies  attending  the  presentation  of 
awards  for  gallantry  in  action  in  accordance  with  the 
following  orders : 

"Headquarters,  Sixth  Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  Am.  E.  F., 

24  Ausrust,  1918. 
MEMORANDUM  to  Lieut.  Colonel  Sibley: 

Colonel  Lee  directs  that  your  battalion  be  the  bat- 
talion representing  this  regiment  in  the  ceremonies 
at  Bois-de-PEveque  tomorrow  at  ten  o'clock  a.  m., 
full  details  of  which  are  given  in  the  attached  memo- 
randum from  division  headquarters.  The  uniform 
for  these  ceremonies  will  be  blouses,  helmets  and  field 
equipment  less  the  pack. 

W.  H.  Sitz, 
Captain,  U.  S.  M.  C,  Adjutant. 
P.  S. — The  Colors  will  be  sent  to  you  by  truck  leav- 
ing here  at  7  :00  a.  m.  tomorrow  morning. 

W.  H.  Sitz." 

At  9  :30  a.  m.  August  25,  the  following  instructions 
from  Regimental  Headquarters  were  received 
through  Colonel  Holcomb: 

"Headquarters,  Sixth  Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  Am.  E.  F., 

24  August,   1918. 
MEMORANDUM  to  Lieut.  Col.  Holcomb: 

The  1st  battalion  will  leave  Harmonville  at  five 
o'clock  p.  m.  tomorrow  afternoon  for  Camp  Bois  de 


54  HISTORY    OF    THE 

TEveqne.  Colonel  Lee  wishes  you  to  notify  the  3rd 
battalion,  now  located  at  Bois  de  TEveque,  that  they 
will  commence  their  march  for  Harmonville  also  at 
5:00  p.  m.  tomorrow.  It  will  not  be  necessary  for 
Colonel  Sibley  to  send  any  billeting  party  to  this 
as  arranorements  will  be  made  with  the  Headquarters 
Company  stationed  here  to  learn  where  the  billets 
are  that  are  now  occupied  by  the  1st  battalion  and 
to  meet  the  3rd  battalion  upon  their  arrival  here 
to  direct  them  to  these  billets. 

W.  H.  SITZ, 
Captain,  U.  S.  M.  C,  Adjutant.'' 

In  accordance  with  this,  the  Battalion  left  Camp 
Bois-de-rEveque  at  5:00  p.  m.  for  Harmonville,  ai 
distance  of  28  kilometers  and  arrived  at  the  town 
at  approximately  2 :00  a.  m.,  August  26th,  where 
they  proceeded  to  billets  previously  occupied  by  the 
1st  Battalion,  6th  Marines. 

Here  again  a  regular  routine  of  drills  and  forma- 
tions was  taken  up  and  followed  daily. 


OFFENSIVE  OPERATIONS  ST.  MIHIEL  SALIENT. 

Verbal  orders  w^ere  received  during  the  day  Sep- 
tember 1st,  to  stand-by  to  leave  in  camions  that  night. 
Preparations  for  leaving  were  made  at  once  and  the 
Battalion  stood  by  all  night  awaiting  orders  to  leave. 
Early  September  2nd  word  was  received  that  the 
movement  was  to  be  by  marching  and  at  9  :00  p.  m., 
September  2nd,  the  Battalion  moved  out  in  accord- 
ance with  the  followinor  order: 


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THIRD    BATTALION  55 

**  Headquarters,   Sixth   Rej2:iment, 
Marine  Corps,  Am.  E.  P., 

France,  2  September,  1918. 
SECRET 

FIELD  ORDER  No.  11. 

Map:    Nancy-Commercy  1:80,000.    Hour,  3:15  p.  m. 

1.  The  2nd  Division  is  to  move  to  another  area  by 
marchinof.  This  regiment  will  mar-ch  in  accordance 
with  march  table.  Annex  1,  of  Field  Orders  No.  24, 
2nd  Division,  dated  September  2,  1918. 

2.  The  Regimental  M.  G.  Company  and  3  Stokes 
Mortars,  37  mm.  and  pioneer  platoons  of  the  Head- 
quarters Company,  under  command  of  senior  officer 
present,  will  leave  Camp  Bois  I'Eveque  at  8:45  p.  m. 
September  3rd  and  will  join  the  regiment  at  Pierre 
la  Triche  at  10:45  p.  m. 

3.  Organization  commanders  will  make  every  ef- 
fort to  conceal  this  movement  and  troops  on  the 
march,  in  bivouac,  or  in  billets  will  be  disposed  ac- 
cordingly. 

4.  "While  the  movement  is  in  progress,  organiza- 
tions will  endeavor  to  keep  in  touch  wath  the  Regi- 
mental Headquarters  as  m.uch  as  possible. 

5.  Regimental  Headquarters  will  close  here  at 
9  :20  p.  m.,  September  2nd,  and  will  be  at  the  head 
of  the  3rd  Battalion  night  of  September  2-3  and 
thereafter  at  head  of  column. 

6.  Battalions  will  march  with  an  interval  of  100 
yards  between  companies  and  trains  T\dth  an  interval 
of  100  yards  between  each  six  vehicles. 

7.  Trains  will  follow  units  to  which  attached. 
March  discipline  and  traffic  regulations  will  be  strict- 
ly enforced.  By  order  of  Colonel  Lee : 

T.  Holcomb, 
Lieut.  Col.,  U.  S.  M.  C,  Operations  Officer." 


56  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Arriving  at  Thuilley  at  1:30  a.  m.  September  3rd, 
Battalion  was  billeted  in  camouflaged  camp  in  out- 
Bkirts  of  town  and  men  kept  under  cover  through.- 
out  the  day. 

At  8 :30  p.  m.  September  3rd,  the  march  was  again 
taken  up  in  a  general  northerly  direction,  arriving 
in  the  Bois-de-Chaudeney  at  1 :40  a.  m.,  September 
4th.  Here  troops  were  bivouacked  and  rested  until 
dusk. 

Moving  out  at  9 :1Q  p.  m.  the  Battalion  arrived, 
:after  much  delay  due  to  congested  traffic  on  roads, 
in  the  Bois  St.  Gencoult  at  2:45  a.  m.,  September 
5th.  Some  training  by  small  units  was  carried  on 
liere  and  at  5 :00  a.  m.  September  6th,  Captain  L. 
M.  Bourne  and  Second  Lieutenant  N.  F.  Dougherty 
arrived  with  93  replacements  and  casuals. 

Captain  Bourne  was  assigned  to  the  command  of 
the  84th  Company  and  Lieut.  Dougherty  assigned 
to  the  83rd  Company.  The  enlisted  men  were 
divided  among  the  four  companies  so  as  to  make 
the  approximate  strength  of  each  220  men. 

September  7th  Col.  Sibley,  with  commanding  offi- 
cers of  the  other  battalions,  left  at  3 :00  a.  m.  to 
reconnoiter  the  front  line.  The  trip  was  made  on 
horseback,  covering  65  kilometers  and  returning  at 
11 :00  p.  m.  the  same  day.  On  this  date  Major  Gen- 
eral LeJeune  inspected  certain  companies  of  this 
battalion. 

Captain  J.  H.  Johnston  reported  for  duty  with 
the  Battalion  September  8th  and  was  assigned  to 
take  command  of  the  82nd  Company. 


THIRD     BATTALION  57 

At  8:50  p.  m.,  September  9th,  in  accordance  with 
instructions  received  from  Reg^imental  Commander, 
the  Battalion  moved  out  toward  the  Bois  de  la  Rappe. 
Col.  Sibley  had  preceded  the  Battalion  in  a  side  car 
in  order  to  reconnoiter  area  for  bivouac  and  Captain 
Berry  took  command  for  the  night's  march.  After 
much  delay  due  to  congestion  of  traffic  on  roads,  the 
Battalion  arrived  in  the  Bois  de  Manoncourt  at  6  :30 
a.  m.  and  bivouacked  for  the  day,  resuming  march  at 
7 :15  p.  m.  and  arriving  in  the  Bois  de  la  Rappe  at 
9  :00  p.  m.  in  a  heavy  rain.  Here  the  Battalion  re- 
mained all  day  the  11th  making  preparations  for  en- 
gaging the  enemy.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  replace- 
ments reported  and  were  apportioned  among  the 
companies;  blanket  rolls  were  stored,  two  extra  ban- 
doleers of  ammunition  were  issued  to  each  man,  extra 
chauchat  ammunition  and  rifle  grenades  were  issued 
and  20  per  cent  of  the  total  strength  of  each  com- 
pany designated  to  be  kept  out  of  the  battle.  The 
fighting  strength  of  the  Battalion  after  the  20  per 
cent  were  separated  remained  21  officers  and  918 
men.  To  this  were  added  one  officer  and  thirty  men 
from  the  Stokes  Mortar  platoon  (3  guns),  one  officer 
and  fourteen  men  from  the  one  pounder  section  (one 

gun),  forty  pioneers  for  wire  cutting  and  one  officer 
and  seven  enlisted  men  from  the  engineers  for  co- 
operation with  the  tanks.  Never  before  had  the  Bat- 
talion gone  into  an  attack  so  well  organized  and 
equipped.  Every  emergency  had  been  provided  for 
and  the  success  of  the  affair  seemed  assured. 


58  HISTORY    OP    THE 

The  tentative  plan  of  attack  for  this  regiment  was 
received  during  the  afternoon  of  the  11th  and  ex- 
plained in  detail  to  all  officers  by  the  Battalion 
Commander. 

At  7:00  p.  m.  regimental  order  was  received  stat- 
ing that  the  hour  of  the  attack  was  to  be  5  :00  a.  m., 
September  12th.  This  Battalion  was  to  move  to  the 
jumping  off  trenches  in  the  southern  limits  of  Limey 
as  early  in  the  evening  of  September  11th  as  prac- 
ticable. It  was  to  be  in  position  before  1 :00  a.  m. 
September  12th  when  the  artillery  preparation  was 
to  commence.  This  Battalion  was  placed  in  the  first 
line  of  the  line  of  this  Regiment,  the  Second  being 
in  support  and  the  First  on  the  left  as  liason  with  the 
89th  Division.  Ahead  of  this  Regiment  was  the  23rd 
Infantry.  The  companies  of  this  Battalion  were  ar- 
ranged as  follows:  82nd  Company  right  front  line, 
83rd,  left  front  line;  97th,  right  support,  and  84th, 
left  support. 

Just  as  the  artillery  preparation  commenced  the 
following  message  was  sent: 

*'From:     C.  0.,  3rd  Btn. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date:        12  Sept.,  18,  1:08  a.  m.  No.  1. 

To:  C.  O,  6th. 

3rd  Btn.  in  position  trenches  south  of  Limey  at 
1 :00  a.  m.  Stokes  Mortars  and  one-pounders  have  not 
arrived.     Have  liasion  with  15th  M.  G. 

(Signed)   Sibley. '^ 

The  15th  Machine  Gun  Company  referred  to  was 

the  machine  gun  company  assigned  to  support  this 

Battalion. 


THIRD     BATTALION  59 

Before  the  attack  started  liasion  was  also  made 
with  Regimental  Headquarters,  2iid  Battalion  23rd 
Infantiy  and  the  2nd  Battalion,  6th  Marines.  At  the 
hour  of  the  attack,  5 :00  a.  m.,  the  23rd  Infantry 
moved  off  from  its  jumping  off  positions  and  was 
followed  by  this  Battalion.  There  had  been  little  re- 
sponse to  our  heavy  artillery  preparation  and  when 
the  attack  started  there  was  no  indication  that  the 
infantry  w^as  meeting  heavy  opposition.  The  P.  C. 
of  this  battalion,  which  had  been  in  Limey  during  the 
artillery  preparation,  moved  forward  at  6 :15  a.  m. 
and  established  itself  in  what  had  been  the  jumping 
off  place  for  the  front  line,  23rd  Infantiy.  Messages 
were  received  about  7 :00  a.  m.  from  all  the  companies 
of  this  Battalion  that  they  were  following  the  Infan- 
try advance  at  1,000  yards  distance  and  were  in 
liasion  with  the  elements  on  the  right  and  left.  The 
advance  continued  across  the  hills  to  the  north  of 
Limej^  and  at  8 :30  our  own  front  line  entered  the 
Bois  Haie  VEvteque,  when  the  following  message 
was  sent: 

''Prom:     3rd  Btn. 

At:  P.   C. 

Date:        12  Sept.  15,  No.  3. 

To:  C.  0.,  6th. 

Entering  Bois  Haie  I'Eveque  and  still  progressing. 

(Signed)   Sibley." 

Two  hours  later  Battalion  had  passed  through  this 
woods  and  was  reorganizing  for  further  advance, 
considerable  work  had  to  be  done  in  reorganizing, 
inasmuch  as  two  of  the  companies  (82nd  and  97th), 


60  HISTORY    OP    THE 

in  going  through  the  woods,  had  moved  to  the  left 
of  the  sector.  The  advance  continued  with  no  fur- 
ther opposition  and  with  very  slight  casualties  from 
shell  fire.  At  1 :00  p.  m.  the  following  message  was 
Bent : 

''From:  3rd  Btn. 

At :  P.  C. 

Date ;  12  Sept.  13,  1 :00  p.  m.  No.  5. 

To:  C.  0.  6th  Marines,  via  C.  0.  2nd  Btn. 

Advancing  on  THIAUCOURT  and  about  1  1-2  K. 
from  it.   Casualties  slight. 

(Signed)  Sibley.' 


ft 


The  advance  on  Thiaucourt  was  uninterrupted  and 
the  town  was  skirted  by  us  at  about  2  :00  p.  m.,  two 
of  our  companies  having  crossed  the  river  just  to  the 
west  of  town.  The  other  two  companies  (82nd  and 
97th)  were  following  in  the  rear,  having  become  some- 
what detached.  Positions  were  taken  up  to  the  north 
and  northeast  of  Thiaucourt  and  at  4 :00  p.  m.  the  fol- 
lowing message  was  sent  indicating  the  general  sit- 
uation : 

''From:  3rd  Btn. 

At :  P.  C. 

Date :  12  Sept.  Hour  4 :00  p.  m.  No.  5. 

To:  C.  0.  6th. 

About  an  hour  or  two  or  more  ago  we  passed  to  the 
north  of  Thiaucourt  and  took  up  position  about  1,000 
yards  behind  23'rd  Infantry  with  the  two  companies 
that  remain  with  us.  Enemy  shelling  our  lines,  and 
Infantry  fell  behind  us.   Now  are  in  position  again. 

Our  two  remaining  companies  have  just  reported 


THIRD    BATTALION  61 

in,  and  are  being  placed.    However,  all  units  ara 
badly  disorganized  and  out  of  position. 

We  need  rations  if  possible,  some  ambulances  for 
a  few  wounded,  and  counter  work.  Artillery  has 
been  silent  for  several  hours. 

(Signed)  Sibley." 

At  this  time  the  23rd  Infantry  was  about  1,000 
yards  behind  the  army  line  and  were  subjected  to 
heavy  direct  artillery  fire ;  a  rearward  movement  was 
noticed  and  two  companies  of  this  Battalion  were 
pushed  out  to  support  the  line.  The  82nd  and  97th 
companies  reporting  up  at  this  time,  were  given  po- 
sitions on  the  right  in  support  of  the  23rd  Infantry^ 
where  they  spent  the  night.  About  5  :00  p.  m.  the 
original  line  was  re-established. 

The  Battalion  P.  C.  was  established  in  the  power 
house  building  500  yards  northeast  of  Thiaucort. 
That  night  and  the  following  morning  were  passed 
quietly.  The  P.  C.  of  this  Battalion  was  moved  to 
a  dugout  on  the  northeast  outskirts  of  town  at  1  ;00 
p.  m.,  the  13th. 

Orders  were  received  that  day  from  Regimental 
Headquarters  that  this  Battalion  would  relieve  the 
front  line,  held  by  the  23rd  Infantry,  at  dusk. 
The  companies  were  assigned  as  indicated  in  the 
following  order: 

''From:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn. 

At :  P.  C. 

Date:        13  Sept.  1918,  6:00  p.  m.  No.  6. 

To :  C.  0.  all  Companies. 

In  accordance  with  Regimental  orders  the  com- 
panies of  this  battalion  will  take  over  positions  as 


62  HISTORY    OP    THE 

reconnoitered  this  p.  m.  82nd  Go.  right  front  line, 
83rd  Co.  left  front  line,  84th  Co.  left  support,  97th 
Co.  right  support.  This  will  be  accomplished  at  dusk 
and  completed  at  dark.  Report  to  these  headquar- 
ters as  soon  as  relief  is  completed.  One  platoon  of 
15th  M.  G.  Co.  will  support  right  front  company  an- 
other will  support  left  front  Co.  and  another  will  be 
in  reserve;  Stokes  Mortars  and  one-pounder  detach- 
ment iWll  remain  in  reserve  and  will  occupy  position, 
now  held  for  present. 

By  order  of  Lt.  Col.  Sibley. 

(Signed)  David  Bellamy,  Adj.^* 

This  relief  was  completed  by  12  midnight.  Patrols 

were  also  sent  out  to  the  right  and  left  front  by  the 
front  line  companies  and  information  sent  back  that 
liasion  was  established  with  units  on  the  right  and 
left  front  and  that  of  patrols.  The  following  order 
was  received  at  6:00  p.  m.,  the  14th. 

''From:     C.  0.  6th  Regt. 

At:  P.  C.  Thiaucourt. 

Date :        14  Sept.  13—5 :40  p.  m. 

To :  C.  0.  3rd  Btn.  6th.  Operations  Memo  No.  2. 

In  compliance  with  verbal  instructions  from  the 
Brig.  Comdr.  you  will  advance  your  line  to  the  ar- 
my line  this  evening  as  soon  as  light  conditions  are 
favorable.  By  this  line  is  meant  the  high  ground  in 
your  front  extending  from  a  point  Northeast  of 
JAULNY  to  the  North  of  Xammes.  Arrange  the  dis- 
position of  your  local  support  to  suit  the  terrain  and 
your  own  judgment. 

2.  The  first  Btn.  of  this  Regt.  is  under  orders  to 
execute  a  reconnaissance  to  a  point  about  two  (2) 
kilometers  to  the  front,  and  a  copy  of  the  memo  is 
herewith  enclosed  for  your  information. 

(Signed)  Lee." 


THIRD    BATTALION  63 

At  11 :40  p.  m.  the  following  message  was  sent, 
explaining  the  situation  at  that  time : 
"From:     3rd  Btn.  6th. 
At:  P.  C. 

Date :        14  Sept.  13—11 :40  p.  m.  No.  1. 
To:  C.  0.  6th  Regt. 

Have  just  returned  from  reconnoitering  the  "ar- 
my line"  and  established  a  P.  C.  in  the  southeast- 
em  edge  of  woods  (Pill  Box)  co-ordinates  363.5- 
242.3. 

Company  commanders  were  taken  out  to  center 
of  this  line  and  shown  the  positions  which  their  com- 
panies are  to  occupy.  Companies  are  now  getting 
into  position  as  best  they  can  in  darkness.  97th  Co. 
will  be  on  right  front  and  84th  Co.  on  left  front, 
82nd  and  83rd  Cos.  have  been  ordered  to  hold  in. 
present  positions  until  they  can  be  more  advantage- 
ously located.  This  cannot  be  done  in  darkness.  Will 
send  further  report  w^hen  front  line  has  been  es- 
tablished. Two  platoons  of  15th  m.  g.  Co.  have  been 
ordered  to  support  new  front  line.  They  are  also 
getting  into  position.  Stokes  Mortars  and  One- 
Pounders  are  left  in  reserve  for  present. 

Major  Barker  and  his  companies  passed  on  their 
way  north  about  9  :00  p.  m.  Both  new  and  old  front 
line  positions  are  being  heavily  shelled.  At  about 
11 :00  p.  m.  aeroplanes  dropped  bombs  in  vicinity  of 
cross  roads  363.3-242.7,  near  our  old  front  lines, 
where  battalion  P.  C.  was  then  located. 

Report  of  casualties  not  received,  not  believed  to 
be  heavy. 

(Signed)  Sibley,  D.  B.'* 

The  night  of  the  14th-15th  was  marked  by  heavy! 
shelling  throughout  the  entire  sector.  At  daylight 
on  the  morning  of  the  15th  the  Second  Battalion, 


64  HISTORY     OF    THE 

under  Major  "Williams,  passed  through  our  lines  to 
occupy  the  Bois  de  la  Montagny,  Their  advance 
drew  upon  us  heavy  shell  fire.  There  was  some  un- 
certainty as  to  the  location  of  the  1st  and  2nd  Bat- 
talions, and  the  following  message  was  sent  to  all 
companies  at  9:30  a.  m.,  15th. 

''From:     3rd  Btn.  6th  R. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date:        15  Sept.  93  Or.  No.  5. 

To :  C.  0.  97th  and  84th  Cos. 

Following  message  just  received  from  regimental  t 
"8:10  a.  m.  Stay  in  place  on  army  line  till  further 
orders,  2nd  Battalion  is  separated  into  two  bodies, 
one  under  Williams  and  one  under  Martin.  1st  Btn» 
is  in  front  in  Bois  de  Montagny  don't  know 
where.  Send  patrols  to  front  to  locate  them  and 
have  him  (Major  Barker)  report  over  phone  up  at 
front.  Phone  in  on  line  with  W^illiams,  follow^ 
wire  up.  "Lee"  84th  and  97th  Cos.  will  each  send 
a  patrol  immediately  to  comply  with  this  order. 
Runners  bearing  this  message  may  be  able  to  give 
information  relating  to  location  of  phone  wire  run- 
ning to  front.  You  will  also  make  an  effort  to  get 
in  touch  w^th  both  detachments  of  our  2nd  Battalion. 

Please  send  us  all  information  you  have  relative 
to  conditions  and  keep  us  informed. 

Sibley." 

At  10 :30  a.  m.  a  verbal  message  was  received  from 
Colonel  Holcomb  to  send  two  platoons  to  support  the 
front  line  on  left  in  Bois  de  la  Montagny  (Hill  231.5) 
where  it  was  reported  that  the  Boche  were  counter 
attacking.  Two  platoons  of  the  83rd  Company  were 
dispatched  at  once  and  took  up  positions  with  the 


THIRD     BATTALION  65 

left  of  the  2nd  Battalion,  remaining  there  until 
6  :00  p.  m.,  when  they  were  recalled  by  Regimental 
order. 

The  entire  sector  and  the  vicinity  of  the  P.  C.  were 
shelled  during  the  day. 

Word  was  received  from  Regimental  at  2 :00  p.  m. 
that  the  Regiment  w^ould  be  relieved  at  dark.  Latet 
in  the  afternoon  officers  from  the  310  Infantry  (78th 
Division)  reported  to  reconnoiter  the  positions  held 
by  this  Battalion.  The  relief  commenced  shortly} 
after  midnight  and  was  completed  at  3  :45  a.  m.,  16th. 
Battalion  marched  by  platoons  to  the  Bois  d'  Heich 
on  the  Thiaucourt-Regieville  road,  where  it  was 
bivouacked. 

The  casualties  during  these  operations  amounted 
to:  One  officer  wounded,  seven  men  killed  and 
forty-three  wounded;  also  15  men  missing.  Thirty- 
seven  men  were  evacuated  sick  during  this  period.* 

TRAINING. 

At  1 :00  p.  m.  September  16,  1918,  battalion 
marched  from  Bois  I'Heich,  arriving  at  Minorville  at 
7 :0O  p.  m,  and  bivouacking  in  woods  one  kilometen 
from  Minorville,  at  dusk.  Here  the  following  officers 
reported  from  Army  Infantry  Specialists  School: 
First  Lieutenants  Noble,  McFarland  and  Marshall 
and  Second  Lieutenants  Minter,  Zook,  Wilmot, 
Callan,  Richardson  and  Beckwith.  Battalion  Head- 
quarters was  established  in  a  hospital  barra-cks  in 

*This  report  has  not  been  revised  to  comply  with  latest 
official  figures  but  is  approximately  correct. 


66  HISTORY    OF    THE 

the  town  of  IMinorville  and  the  usual  work  of  clean- 
ing up  clothing,  personnel  and  equipment,  was  be- 
gun. Some  clothing  was  issued.  The  continued  rain 
made  the  bivouac  rather  uncomfortable  and  effort 
was  made  to  find  billets  for  the  men. 

On  September  18th  Col.  Sibley  was  evacuated  to 
S.O.S.  hospital  with  eye  trouble  and  overwork.  This 
was  the  last  the  Battalion  saw  of  the  man  who  organ- 
ized, trained  and  commanded  it  through  three  major 
operations.  Captain  George  K.  Shuler  reported  as 
Battalion  Commander  the  afternoon  of  September 
18th. 

Verbal  orders  were  received  from  Regimental 
Commander  September  20  to  prepare  to  move  that 
day.  Billeting  party  was  sent  out  at  4 :00  p.  m.,  the 
battalion  marching  at  6 :30  p.  m.  Continuing  the 
march  the  battalion  arrived  at  Choloy  at  2 :30  a. 
m.  September  21,  and  billeted.  At  7:30  a.  m.,  the 
21st,  orders  were  received  from  Regimental  Com- 
mander directing  Lieut.  Marshall  and  two  scouts  to 
proceed  to  Regimental  Headquarters  in  Poug  from 
Vviience  they  would  be  taken  on  reconnoitering  trip 
to  the  front.  The  usual  24  hours  was  devoted  to 
cleaning  up  and  resting  after  which  a  drill  program 
was  put  into  effect  and  carried  out  during  the  stay 
at  this  town. 

One  day  liberty  within  the  divisional  area,  includ- 
ing Toul,  was  granted  to  10  per  cent  of  the  command 
on  the  23rd  and  24th  of  September. 

Lieut.  Marshall  and  two  scouts  returned  from 
reconnoitering  trip  on  the  25th. 


THIRD    BATTALION  67 

CHAMPAGNE  OFFENSIVE. 

(Operations  Near  Blanc  Mont  Ridge.) 

In  accordance  with  orders  from  Regimental  Com- 
mander received  the  evening  of  September  26th,  the 
battalion  marched  at  4:30  a.  m.,  September  27th, 
to  the  entraining  point  at  Domgermain.  After  hav- 
ing breakfast  on  the  loading  platform,  battalion  en- 
trained and  left  at  9:30  a.  m.  Arriving  at  Chalons- 
sur-Mame  at  5  :30  p.  m.,  the  battalion  detrained  and 
marched  to  Moncetz,  arriving  at  9 :40  p.  m.,  the  27th. 
Orders  were  received  that  battalion  was  to  prepare 
to  move  at  an  hour's  notice  and  the  final  touches  of 
re-equipping  and  outfitting  men  were  put  on. 

At  4:00  p.  m.,  September  28th,  orders  received  for 
billeting  party  to  assemble  at  Brigade  Headquarters 
at  Sarry  immediately.  The  area  was  unknown  but 
the  general  impression  was  that  the  movement  was 
toward  Suippes. 

This  billeting  party  returned  September  29th  and 
battalion  embussed  in  camions  at  5  :30  p.  m.  that  day, 
destination  unknown.  The  trains  had  preceded  the 
troops,  leaving  at  9 :00  a.  m.  for  Somme-Suippea 
Camions  proceeded  through  Chalons-sur-Marne  where 
a  cheering  crowd  lined  the  streets  to  pay  tribute  to 
their  old  friends,  the  Second  Division.  Debussing 
in  northern  outskirts  of  Suippes  battalion  marched 
to  trenches  two  kilometers  north  of  Suippes  and 
bivouacked  for  the  night,  together  with  the  other  bat- 
talions of  this  reodment. 


68  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  following  day,  September  30,  this  battalion 
moved  to  more  comfortable  quarters  in  a  nearby 
French  camp,  where  the  kitchens  were  brought  up. 
At  4:00  p.  m.  on  the  1st  of  October,  verbal  instruc- 
tions were  received  by  the  battalion  Commander  that 
the  battalion  would  move  forward  at  dusk  through 
Souain  to  the  trenches  south  of  Somme-Py.  At  6 :00 
p.  m.  the  Regimental  Commander  called  the  battalion 
Commander,  Scout  Officer  and  one  officer  from  each 
company  to  go  forward  and  reconnoiter,  it  being  then 
thought  that  this  battalion  would  occupy  trenches 
immediately  to  the  south  of  the  railroad  running 
west  from  Somme-Py. 

The  20  per  cent  reserve  as  designated  was  left  be- 
hind and  the  march  of  this  battalion  was  begun  at 
8  p.  m..  following  the  First  battalion.  Attached  to 
this  battalion  were  the  15th  Machine  Gun  Company, 
Captain  Kingman,  two  Stokes  Mortars  and  one  One- 
Pounder  section.  The  road  was  heavily  blocked  with 
traffic  and  progress  was  slow.  Pyrotechnics,  hand 
grenades  and  engineering  tools,  but  no  V.  B.  gre- 
nades, were  picked  up  enroute.  The  following  mes- 
sage was  received  en  route: 

''From:     Hq.  6th  Regt. 

Date  :         1  Oct.  1918—9  :35  p.  m. 

To :  C.  0.  3rd  Btn. 

Your  position  in  trenches  Dusseldorf  and  Grot- 
tingue.  Our  regimental  P.  C.  at  7863.  Guides  will 
meet  you  a  little  south  of  place  we  told  you  to  go. 
Explain  to  them  that  you  are  third  line  Battalion. 

By  order  of  Col.  Lee. 

(Signed)  Holcomb.*' 


THIRD     BATTALION  69 

At  4:30  a.  m.  this  battalion  took  position  in  the 
trenches  Dusseldorf  and  Gotting^e  southwest  of 
Somme-Py  where  the  following  order  was  received 
at  9  :25  a.  m.,  October  2nd. 

''From:     C.  0.  6th  Marines. 

At :  P.  C.  78—59. 

Date :        2  Oct.  18 — 9  :20  a.  m.   By  runner. 

To :  C.  0.  3rd  Battalion. 

On  ^^D"  day  and  "H"  hour  I  have  warning  that 
this  regiment  will  advance  in  three  echelons  to  the 
North  and  West  against  the  positions  held  by  the 
enemy  in  our  immediate  front  in  trenches  Pacha  and 
D 'Essen,  then  a  little  West  of  North  to  include 
Blanc-Mont.  In  this  event,  2nd  Battalion  lead- 
ing with  two  companies  in  its  front  line  and 
2  in  local  support  will  be' followed  by  the  1st  and 
3rd  respectively  at  about  800  to  1,000  metres.  Simi- 
larly disposed  and  during  the  advance  guarding 
carefully  our  left  flank  for  the  entire  advance  to 
Blanc  ]\font.  Precautions  must  be  taken  in  each 
Bn.  for  flank  protection  as  it  is  not  knov>rn  definitely 
that  a  flank  guard  wUl  be  provided.  Precautions 
must  be  taken  in  each  Btn.  for  combat  liaison  with 
the  battalions  on  their  right  "of  the  5th  Regiment." 
It  will  be  well  if  in  each  Btn.  as  many  maps  are 
marked  to  show  the  regimental  sector  and  as  much 
consideration  of  the  maps  be  had  as  is  possible  be- 
fore "H"  hour.  The  boundaries  of  the  regimental 
sectors  will  be  as  follows : 

Western 

from  266.9-277.0  North  to  277.7  then  Northwest  to 
265.8-280.8 

Eastern 
from  268.0-277.7  to  267.2-280.1. 
It  is  thought  the  order  might  make  this  the  final 


70  HISTORY    OP    THE 

objective  where  possibly  the  3rd  Brigade  will  leap- 
frog to  conduct  exploitation. 

Until  orders  are  received  make  this  your  plan  and 
be  prepared  to  move  to  its  execution  before  noon. 
Packs  should  be  left  at  the  jumping-off  point  under 
charge  of  one  man  from  each  platoon.  In  case  of 
shortage  of  grenades  search  should  be  made  for  a 
supply  in  the  sectors  you  now  occupy.  Impress  all 
men  with  the  fact  that  musketry  is  still  KING  and 
they  have  but  to  sit  tight  and  shoot  straight  insuring 
superiority  of  fire  and  guaranteeing  success. 

(Signed)  Lee.^' 

At  10:50  a.  m.  an  order  from  Regimental  Com- 
mander was  received  postponing  the  attack  for  24 
hours. 

The  next  morning,  October  3,  at  5:10  a.  m.,  the 
following  order  was  received:  ,  , 

''From:  C.  0.  6th  Marines. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date :  3  Oct.  5  :00  a.  m.  By  runner. 

To :  C.  0.  1st,  2nd  and  3rd  Btns.  6th  Marines. 

This  division  attacks  this  morning  at  5 :50  a.  m. 
3rd  Brigade  on  the  right,  4th  Brigade  on  the  left. 
Direction  of  attacks  and  objectives  as  shown  on  at- 
tached sketch.  This  Brigade  will  attack  in,  column 
of  regiments :  The  6th  Regiment  in  the  first  line, 
and  the  5th  forming  the  2nd  line  or  support.  This 
regiment  will  take  the  usual  form  of  attack,  column 
of  battalions;  one  battalion  first  line,  one  battalion 
in  the  second  and  one  in  the  third.  Distance  between 
battalions  about  1,000  yards. 

2.  There  will  be  five  minutes'  artillery  prepara- 
tion before  the  infantry  attacks.  At  zero  hour  a  roll- 
ing barrage  will  begin  and  will  precede  the  infantry 


THIRD    BATTALION  71 

advance  at  the  rate  of  100  metres  in  four  minutes  to 
the  objective  where  a  standing  barrage  will  be  put 
on  300  metres  beyond  the  objective  for  30  minutes 
where  the  rolling  barrage  will  continue  for  1,400 
metres  further  for  the  support  of  patrols  and  es- 
tablishment of  outpost  lines. 

3.  Tanks  will  be  assigned  as  follows: 

One  company  (12  tanks)  to  the  leading  bat- 
talion of  this  regiment  in  the  usual  front  line 
attack  formation. 

One  company  (12  tanks)  to  the  battalion  of 
the  second  line  this  regiment  taking  position 
in  rear  of  right  and  left  flank  to  repel  at- 
tacks and  counter-attacks. 

These  tanks  will  be  under  the  command  of  the 
battalion  commanders  to  which  assigned.  Each  bat- 
talion will  provide  suitable  flank  protection  for  his 
own  organization.  The  Commanding  Officer  of  the 
5th  regiment  will  detail  his  rear  battalion  to  watch 
the  hook  from  the  trenches  on  our  left  flank.  If  it 
is  not  necessary  to  attack  the  hook  this  battalion  will 
advance  as  left  flank  guard. 

4.  All  trooops  will  be  in  position  at  "H"  minus 
two  hours. 

5.  Attached  is  copy  of  division  order  just  re- 
ceived 4:45  a.  m. 

6.  P.  C.  of  this  regiment  will  remain  in  present 
position  until  the  first  objective  is  reached  when  it 
will  be  moved  to  a  point  680.5-768.0. 

(Signed)  Lee." 

According  to  above  instructions  this  Battalion  ad- 
vanced at  5:50  a.  m.  1,000  yards  in  rear  of  First 
Battalion.  The  companies  were  placed  as  follows: 
83rd  on  right,  supported  by  82nd ;  97th  on  left,  sup- 


72  HISTORY     OP    THE 

ported  by  84th.  Our  P.  C.  advanced  along  the  Boyau 
Landshut. 

The  battalion  advanced  steadily  until  about  7 
o'clock,  when  the  97th  Company  reported  that  it  was 
held  up  by  enemy  machine  gnn  fire  from  the  left, 
which  caused  a  few  casualties.  At  7:30  four  tanks 
were  seen  advancing  upon  these  machine  gun  nests. 
Forty  minutes  later  the  97th  reported  that  machine 
guns  were  silenced  and  that  they  were  advancing. 

We  advanced  without  further  trouble  and  with 
few  casualties  until  about  9  :40  a.  m.,  when  Lieutenant 
Noble,  83rd  Company,  reported  that  the  First  Bat- 
talion had  passed  through  the  Second  Battalion  and 
had  reached  objective  on  the  Blanc  Mont  ridge.  This 
Battalion  halted  in  reserve  position  800  yards  in  rear 
of  Second  Battalion  where  it  dug  in. 

The  following  messages  were  sent  as  indicated  and 
explain  the  situation  at  the  end  of  the  first  phase  of 
the  attack:  , 

' '  From :     3rd  Btn.  6th  Regiment. 

Date :        3  Oct.  10 :10  a.  m.  No.  6.  By  runner. 

To  :  C.  0.  6th  Regiment. 

I  understand  1st  Btn.  has  passed  thru  2nd  Btn. 
and  holds  objective.  I  am  ordering  my  83rd  Co.  which 
at  present  extends  from  road  West  to  Boyau  D* 
Ausborg  at  267.3  and  280.2  to  line  267.0.  My  97th 
Co.  which  has  reported  in  touch  with  83rd.  I  will 
move  to  the  West  so  as  to  occupy  with  that  company 
one-third  of  the  line.  My  84th  Co.  will  be  placed 
on  the  left  of  the  97th.  I  have  no  report  from  84th 
Co.  but  know  that  it  has  advanced  in  rear  of  97th. 
My  82nd  is  now  in  rear  of  83rd.    I  will  move  to  a 


THIRD     BATTALION  73 

position  in  rear  of  center.  My  P.  C.  is  at  present  at 
^67.3-279.4  in  trench  D'Ansborg.  I  intend  to 
move  along  trench  running  to  the  left.  2nd  Bat- 
talion 5th  Regiment  Commander  is  about  200  yards 
to  my  rear.  I  have  sent  word  to  him  to  watch  the 
left.   No  further  report  of  casualties  received. 

(Signed)   Shuler." 

''From:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn. 

Date :        3  Oct.  18  11 :43  a.  m.  No.  7.   By  runner. 

To :  C.  0.  2nd  Btn.  6th  Marines. 

I  have  ordered  my  84th  Co.  to  take  up  position  ex- 
tending from  our  left  line  Northeast  to  266.5-280.0 
My  line  extends  from  there  to  267.6-280.3  I  can  help 
you  support  the  left.  Advise  me  what  position  would 
be  best.  Will  you  inform  this  runner  of  the  location 
of  Barker's  P.  C.  and  disposition  of  his  compan- 
ies if  possible. 

(Signed)  Shuler.'^ 

''From:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn. 

Date :        3  Oct.  11 :50  a.  m.  No.  9.    By  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  2nd  Btn.  6th  Marines. 

Officer  from  2nd  Battalion  5th  Regiment  just  came 
here  and  showed  me  orders  IMessersmith  to  fill 
gap  between  6th  Marines  on  left  and  the  French. 
He  is  proceeding  to  do  so. 

(Signed)    Shuler. 

"From:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn.  6th  Regiment. 

Date :         3  Oct.  12  :10  p.  m.  No.  10.   By  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  1st  Btn.  6th  Regiment. 

My  P.  C.  267.2-279.6  in  trench.  I  am  now  getting 
my  line  established  from  267.3  to  280.6  to  266.1  to 
279.7.  Just  received  message  from  "Williams  stating 
enemy  was  circling  left  and  asking  for  help.  At 
same  time  this  message  was  received  Messersmith 
commanding  second  battalion  5th  Marines  showed 


>  f 


74  HISTORY     OPTHE 

me  his  orders  to  immediately  fill  up  any  gap  between 
6th  Marines  and  French  on  our  left. ' ' 

The  line  of  the  Third  Battalion  as  ordered  in  the 
above  messages  was  exactly  taken  up. 

The  following  messages  further  explain  the  situa- 
tion which  developed  on  left  and  the  action  taken: 

''From:     C.  0.  1st  Bn.  at  P.  C. 

Date:         3  Oct.  18  11:30  a.  m.  No.  11.  By  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  3rd  Bn.  6th  Marines. 

Have  reached  our  objective  and  consolidating  line. 
2nd  battalion  on  our  left,  23rd  infantry  on  right. 
Left  flank  exposed.  Expect  counter-attack.  Have 
you  seen  5th  Marines?  Let  us  know  your  exact  loca- 
tion of  P.  C.  and  your  companies. 

(Signed)  Barker.' 


j> 


''From:     C.   0.   3rd  Bn. 

Date :        3  Oct.  11 :55  a.  m.  No.  8.  By  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  6th  Regiment. 

The  following  message  just  received  from  Major 
Williams,  Second  Battalion.  We  need  support  on,  our 
left  fl^ank.  The  French  have  not  come  up  and  our 
left  is  in  the  air.  The  enemy  about  700  or  800  strong 
are  going  around  our  left  and  threaten  an  encircling 
movement.  Can  you  give  us  any  help.  I  sent  message 
to  Williams  that  I  would  give  him  support  and  asked 
his  advice  as  to  location  for  same.  Between  sending 
that  message  and  writing  this  one  Messersmith  com- 
manding 2nd  Bn.  5th  Resriment  showed  me  his  or- 
ders from  Commanding  Officer  5th  Regiment  'To 
immediately  fill  in  any  gap  between  6th  Regt.  and 
the  French  on  our  left.'  His  order  was  to  do  so  with- 
out further  orders.  I  have  sent  Major  Williams'  run- 
ner to  Messersmith  to  take  back  any  message  and 


THIRD     BATTALION  75 

have  sent  message  to  Major  Williams  informing  him 
of  Messersmith's  orders. 

(Signed)    Shuler." 

'^From:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn. 

Date :         3  Oct.  1 :30  p.  m.  No.  11.   By  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  1st  Btn. 

My  Go's  disposed  as  sketch  shows.  According  to 
your  co-ordinates  farthest  point  on  my  line  is  about 
800  metres  in  your  rear  with  good  communication 
through  trench  D'Ausbourg.  However,  if  you 
want  line  closer  can  move  it  forward.  Give  me  an 
idea  of  where  you  would  like  my  line  to  better  sup- 
port you. 

(Signed)  Shuler." 

''From:     C.  0.  1st  Btn.  at  P.  C. 

Date :         3  Oct.  18  12  :40  No.  13.   By  runner. 

To :  C.  0.  3rd  Btn. 

1st  and  2nd  Ball,  on  front  line  with  no  support. 
In  need  of  a  support  line.    Can  you  help  us  out. 

(Signed)  Barker." 

When  the  line  of  this  Battalion  was  established 
in  support  of  the  First  and  Second  Battalions,  the 
following  situation  became  evident:  The  advance  of 
our  regiment  had  been  unimpeded  to  the  objective 
on  the  Blanc  Mont  ridge.  But  the  French  on  our 
left  had  not  advanced  and  in  fact  there  w^as  an  ex- 
posed flank  to  the  left  of  two  or  three  kilometers. 
Our  leading  battalions  in  order  to  keep  in  touch 
with  our  brigade  on  the  right,  had  veered  slightly 
to  the  right  and  the  dense  woods  on  and  approach- 
ing Blanc  Mont  had  not  been  cleared  of  enemy  ma- 
chine guns.  It  was  to  protect  this  flank  that  the 
line  of  the  battalion  was  swung  in  a  partial  semi- 


76  HISTORY    OP    THE 

circle  as  support  to  the  left  as  indicated  in  the  ahove  ! 

messages. 

During  the  afternoon  the  22nd  Division,  French, 
crossed  our  rear  from  the  right  and  began  cleaning 
up  the  woods  on  our  left  flank,  from  which  a  great 
deal  of  machine  gun  fire  had  been  enfilading  our  [ 

positions.    Elements  of  the  170th  Division,  French,  ] 

also  came  up  in  support  of  us.  ' 

Elements  of  the  Fifth  Regiment,  which  during  the  \ 

afternoon  and   early   evening  had   been   supporting  i 

our  left  and  center  moved  forward  ahead  of  the  line 
of  this  regiment  (ridge  road)  during  the  evening  and 
took  up  positions  somewhat  in  advance.  Our  left 
flank  was  protected  during  the  night  of  October  3,  4, 
by  liaison  patrols  which  connected  up  with  the  French.  ' 

Water  carts  and  ration  carts  with  hot  food  were  ■ 

brought  up  in  the  evening.  Thereafter  each  night  hot 
food  was  brought  up  to  the  men  in  the  trenches  by  ! 

Battalion  Quartermaster,  Lieut.  Herreid,  from  the 
rolling  kitchens  which  were  placed  in  the  Bois  de 
Somme-Py. 

At  6 :35  a.  m.,  October  4th,  a  message  was  received 
from  C.  0.  6th,  stating  that  measures  had  been  taken 
to  strengthen  our  flank  by  the  addition  of  chasseurs 
on  our  left  and  of  other  French  troops  on  their  front 
to  our  left.  A  lateral  artillery  barrage  of  heavy  cali- 
bre was  arranged  for  on  the  neutral  ground  on  our 
left  according  to  report.  Combat  liaison  was  estab- 
lished on  left  with  3rd  Battalion,  67th  Regiment,  22nd 
French  Division  at  9  :30  a.  m.  This  French  Division 
attacked  on  our  left  at  9:50  a.  m.  and  advanced  to 


THIRD     BATTALION  77 

the  east.  This  advance  however  did  not  drive  the 
enemy  from  their  strong  positions  on  Blanc  Mont 
on  our  left  flank.  This  was  because  the  French 
turned  to  the  left  of  Blanc  Mont  which  point  had  been 
erroneously  reported  as  taken. 

During  the  early  morning  and  most  of  the  day  our 
positions  were  heavily  shelled  causing  a  number  of 
casualties.  At  11:05  a.  m.  Lieut.  Church,  Command- 
ing 84th  Company  sent  word  that  he  was  shell- 
shocked  and  could  not  retain  command  of  company. 
Lieut.  Rowan  was  sent  to  take  command  of  company. 
At  2 :20  p.  m.  verbal  message  from  84th  company  that 
all  but  two  officers  were  casualties  was  received. 
Lieut.  Roberts  of  82nd  Company  was  ordered  to  take 
command  of  the  84th. 

Phone  message  was  received  at  12:50  p.  m.  from 
Col.  Lee  stating  that  the  5th  Regiment  would  attack 
at  2:30  p.  m.  in  accordance  with  Division  Field  Or- 
der No.  37 ;  the  6th  Regiment  would  move  off  at  same 
time,  as  support  in  following  order ;  Second  Battalion 
Third  Battalion  and  First  Battalion.  First  Battalion 
was  ordered  to  move  out  immediately  to  cover  the 
left  flank  of  the  5th  Regiment  on  our  front. 

Although  the  attack  was  to  begin  at  2 :30  p.  m.  the 

following  message  was  received  from  the  C.  0.  2nd 

Battalion  at  2:20  p.  m.  and  sent  in  immediately  to 

C.  0.  6th. 

'^From:     C.  0.  2nd  Btn.  at  P.  C. 

Date :        4  Oct.  18  1 :55  p.  m.  No.  1.  By  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  6th  Marines. 

The  limits  now  actually  held  by  this  Btn.  are  East- 
ern, 266.9-281.2  Western,  266.1-280.7  instead  of  as 


78  HISTORY    OF    THE 

previously  reported.  Location  of  barracks  and  roads 
on  our  left  flank  (present)  confused  us  with  what 
should  actually  have  been  our  left  flank,  about  450 
metres  more  to  the  left.  The  enemy  consequently 
holds  a  g"Ood  portion  of  Blanc  Mont  and  is  about 
150  yards  distant  from  the  lines  we  hold  along  our 
Eastern  flank.  Their  position  here  is  heavily  held 
with  machine  guns  and  exposure  at  this  point  in 
daylight  hours  subjects  the  men  to  heavy  sniping 
from  his  position,  which  is  as  commanding  as  our 
own.  The  enemy  covers  the  low  ground  in  front  of 
us  with  his  machine  gun  fire  and  advance  without 
heavy  losses  on  this  flank  is  impossible  without 
heavy  artillery  preparation  on  his  position  on  our 
left  or  until  the  French  advance  on  our  left  and  take 
this  position.  Our  effectives  are  approximately  as 
follows  : 

78th  Co.— 95,  80th  Co.— 60,  96th— 65,  79th— 85. 
Casualties  in  officers  about  40  per  cent. 

(Signed)   Williams.'^ 

This  meant  that  the  Blanc  Mont  stronghold 
had  not  been  reduced  and  was  still  a  menace  on  our 
left.  At  the  ''H"  hour,  2:30,  this  battalion  advanced 
but  the  P.  C.  remained  in  same  place.  The  compan- 
ies advanced  until  they  approached  the  first  battal- 
ion, which  was  still  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Ridge  road, 
and  then  halted.  At  2  :40  phone  message  from  C.  0. 
2nd  Battalion,  stating  that  he  was  not  going  to  ad- 
vance because  of  machine  gun  fire  of  enemy  on  left. 

Verbal  orders  (phone)  were  received  from  Col.  Lee 
at  3 :05  p.  m.  to  halt  all  companies  and  to  clean  out 
the  machine  gun  nests  on  our  left.  Artillery  fire 
was  to  be  concentrated  on  nests  until  3 :35  p.  m.   The 


THIRD     BATTALION  79 

battalion  commander  sent  instructions  to  97th  and 
82nd  Companies  to  halt  until  3 :35  and  then  ad- 
vance on  machine  grin  nests  and  reduce  them.  The 
83rd  and  84th  Companies  were  ordered  to  "Stand 
By"  to  support  97th  and  82nd  in  this  attack. 

These  orders  for  attack  were  delayed,  however,  and 
because  also  of  insufficient  artillery  preparation  this 
attack  on  the  machine  gun  nests  was  postponed  until 
4:45  p.  m.,  at  which  time  artillery  was  to  lift  its  fire 
from  the  Blanc  Mont  area.  Instructions  were  sent 
to  companies  that  the  attack  would  begin  at  4:45 
p.  m. 

After  reports  by  the  Adjutant  and  Scout  Officer 
on  enemy  positions  and  the  ineffectiveness  of  artil- 
lery fire  the  Battalion  Commander  sent  the  follow- 
ing message  to  C.  0.,  6th  Regiment  at  4:35  p.  m. 

"From:     3rd  Btn.  C.  0. 

Date:         4  Oct.  18  4:35  p.  m.  No.  3.  By  runner. 

To :  C.  0.  6th  Regiment. 

It  is  impossible  to  clean  out  Blanc  Mont  without 
adequate  artillery  preparation.  There  has  been  no 
real  heavy  artillery  fire  put  in  the  w^oods  up  to 
present  time.  They  are  now  firing  an  occasional 
seventy-five,  which  is  not  effective.  Machine  guns 
are  firing  from  there  all  the  time.  It  is  strongly 
held.  I  have  ordered  C.  0.  97th  Co.  to  use  his  judg- 
ment about  taking  machine  gun  nests.  It  will  re- 
quire a  heavy  concentration  to  properl}^  prepare 
for  an  attack.  A  concentration  of  one-half  kilometer 
around  the  words  "Blanc  Mont"  (Tahure  map 
1-20.000)  would  be  right.  Will  call  you  up  as  soon 
as  phone  is  working. 

(Signed)  Shuler." 


80  HISTORY    OF    THE 

At  5 :12  the  Commanding  Officer,  6th  Regiment 
was  requested  to  concentrate  heavy  artillery  fire  on 
one-half  kilometer  square  around  words  "Blanc 
Mont"  from  6  to  6:30. 

At  5  :15  Lieutenant  Marshall  carried  the  following 
verbal  order  to  companies,  ''Fall  back  to  road;  at- 
tack if  possible  at  6:30.  And  at  5:40  the  following 
message  phoned  to  Commanding  Officer,  6th  Regi- 
ment, "Don't  start  barrage  unless  I  call  for  it.  I 
want  to  be  sure  companies  are  clear  of  woods." 

Meanwhile  the  97th  and  82nd  Companies  at  4:45 
p.  m.  had  advanced  upon  the  machine  gun  nests. 
The  97th  Company  encountered  two  machine  gun 
nests  with  crews  which  they  captured.  These  two 
companies  were  still  advancing  when  orders  rea<ihed 
them  to  fall  back.  Thirteen  prisoners  were  taken  by 
the  97th  Company. 

Word  was  received  at  6:10  p.  m.  that  the  97th, 
82nd,  and  84th  Companies  had  withdrawn  from 
Blanc  Mont.  Inasmuch  as  it  was  decided  to  post- 
pone the  attack  until  morning  the  four  companies 
were  then  ordered  to  retire  to  the  positions  they  had 
at  2:30  p.  m.  before  they  advanced. 

Heavy  shelling  of  our  positions  continued  all  after- 
noon resulting  in  a  number  of  casualties.  Inter- 
mittent shelling  of  positions  continued  throughout 
the  night  of  October  4-5.  Our  own  artillery  had  been 
feeble  in  its  preparation  for  the  attack  on  Blanc 
Mont.  Enemy  fire  on  our  positions  had  been  much 
heavier  than  our  own  "destructive"  fire  had  been 
in  the  area  which  was  to  be  reduced.    In  the  attack 


THIRD    BATTALION  81 

of  the  following  morning  the  artillery  preparation 
was  heavier  but  by  no  means  destructive. 

At  11:00  p.  m.  the  following  order  was  received: 

''Headquarters  6th  Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  A.  E.  F., 
France,  4  Oct.  18. 
Hour  9 :27  p.  m. 
FIELD  ORDERS 

1.  The  enemy  have  established  a  machine  gun 
nest  on  Blanc  Mont. 

2.  The  3rd  Battalion,  6th  Marines,  will  attack 
and  drive  the  enemy  from  this  position. 

3.  (a)  Artillery  preparation  with  155s  and  75s 
will  be  given  between  5  :15  a.  m.  and  6  :15  a.  m.,  5 
Oct.,  firing  on  the  area  included  between  the  points 
265.79-281.0:  266.04-281.12:  265.9-280.3':  266.2-280.4: 
and  after  6 :15  a.  m.  artillery  will  rake  woods  to  the 
north  of  this  area. 

(b)  The  3rd  Battalion  will  be  in  position  to 
attack  at  6  :15  a.  m.  and  will  attack  as  soon  as  the 
artillery  fire  shifts  to  the  North  of  the  occupied  area. 

4.  Messages  to  present  P.  C.  of  3rd  Battal- 
ion and  thence  by  telephone  to  Regimental  P.  C. 

(Signed)  Lee.'* 

In  accordance  with  this  order  the  Third  Battalion 
attacked  at  6:15  a.  m.  advancing  on  left  flank  from 
the  East;  97th,  82nd  and  84th  in  line  and  83rd  in 
support.  At  7 :35  a.  m.  word  was  received  from  82nd, 
84th  and  97th  companies  that  their  objective  Mont 
Blanc  was  reached,  and  that  they  were  digging 
in.  During  this  short  engagement  they  captured  4 
officers,  269  prisoners,  80  machine  guns,  a  number 


82  HISTORY     OF    THE 

of  trench-mortars  and  other  material.    No  casualty 
was  sustained. 

At  8  :45  a.  m.  the  following  message  was  sent  to 
the  companies  of  this  battalion: 

''From :     C.  0.  3rd  Btn.  at  P.  C. 

Date:         5  Oct.  18  8:45  a.  m.  No.  1.  By  runner. 

To :  C.  0.  82,  83,  84  and  97th  Companies. 

The  following  just  received  from  Regimental 
Headquarters,  'From  site.  Time  8:15.  This  regiment 
will  at  once  be  organized  and  be  prepared  to  pass 
through  the  5th  Marines  when  ordered.  Usual  for- 
mation. Order  of  battalions,  front  to  rear,  Williams, 
Shuler,  Barker. — Lee.'  This  battalion  will  follow  the 
2nd  Battalion  in  this  order:  front  line,  82nd  Co., 
left,  97th  Co.,  right,  2nd  line,  84th  Co.,  left,  83rd  Co., 
right.  The  97th  Co.  will  keep  in  touch  with  battalion 
headquarters,  2nd  Battalion,  and  inform  the  82nd, 
83rd  and  84th  Companies  of  any  orders  received. 
This  battalion  will  follow  2nd  Btn.  at  usual  distance 
of  1,000  metres.  The  regimental  C.  0.  congratulates 
us  on  this  morning's  work. 

(Signed)  Shuler. 

The  following  was  received  by  phone  from  C.  0., 
6th,  at  12:15  p.  m.  and  copies  sent  to  2nd  and  1st 
bns. :  "The  French  have  advanced  on  our  left  thrui 
St.  Etienne.  This  regiment  will  advance  imme- 
diately in  the  following  order,  Williams,  Shuler, 
Barker,  passing  through  the  5th  Regiment  on  our 
front.  Objective  is  beyond  a  line  connecting  Cauroy 
and  Machault.  The  liaison  ^dll  be  kept  up  with  the 
French  on  our  left  and  the  3rd  Brigade  on  our  right. 
Should  the  3rd  Brigade  be  held  up  so  that  by  our 


>> 


THIRD     BATTALION  83 

advancing  liaison  will  be  broken,  this  regiment  will 
halt.  The  movement  will  conform  to  the  movement 
of  the  French  on  our  left.  The  advance  is  along  the 
lines  laid  out  as  for  the  attack  of  yesterday.  The  regi- 
mental P.  C.  will  move  to  Major  Williams'  present 
P.  C."  ' 

The  following  order  was  received  at  12 :20  p.  m. 
from  the  C.  0.,  6th  Regiment  by  phone  and  copies 
sent  to  1st  and  2nd  Battalions:  *' Regimental  Com- 
mander directs  that  the  advance  will  not  go  beyond 
St.  Etienne  without  further  orders.  This  is  the 
latest  order  and  supercedes  other  messages." 

At  1 :00  p.  m.  this  P.  C.  advanced  to  Blanc  Mont. 
At  4:30  this  battalion  advanced  in  support  of 
the  second  battalion  1,000  yards  to  the  rear:  82nd 
company  left  front  supported  by  84th,  97th,  right 
front  supported  by  83rd.  The  battalion  advanced 
as  directed  through  light  enemy  artillery  barrage  un- 
til 5 :10  p.  m.  when  it  was  forced  to  halt  and  dig  in, 
as  the  second  battalion  was  held  up  by  enemy  machine 
gun  fire  from  their  right  front.  Information  was 
sent  to  the  CO.  6th.  regiment.  Our  P.  C.  was  estab- 
lished in  cable  man-hole  265.6-282.1.  At  6:45  the 
following  order  was  received  from  the  Commanding 
Officer,  6th. 

''From:     C.  0.  6th  at  P.  C. 

Date  :         5  Oct.  18  6  :20  p.  m.   By  runner. 

To :  C.  0.  1st,  2nd,  and  3rd  Btns. 

As  soon  as  light  conditions  will  permit  the  first 
Btn.  now  in  third  line  will  proceed  to  relieve  the 
3rd  Bn.  now  in  their  front  in  2nd  line.  As  soon  as  re- 


84  HISTORY     OP    THE 

lieved  by  the  1st  Btn.  the  3rd  Btn.  will  proceed  from 
the  2nd  line  and  relieve  the  2nd  Btn.  now  in  the 
1st  line.  The  2nd  Btn.  as  soon,  as  relieved  by  the  3rd 
Btn.  now  in  the  1st  line  will  retire  to  the  third  line, 
position  just  South  of  the  road.  Water  carts,  rolling 
kitchens,  etc.  will  be  up  shortly  and  when  they  ar- 
rive meals  will  be  cooked  and  battalion  commander 
notified. 

(Signed)  Lee." 

A  message  was  immediately  sent  to  C.  0.,  6th,  sug- 
gesting that  if  this  battalion  was  to  attack  the  next 
morning  it  would  be  better  if  this  battalion  passed 
through  the  2nd  battalion  in  the  morning  than  to  at- 
tempt a  relief  in  the  dark  that  night.  Later  in  the 
evening  an  order  was  received  for  the  relief  to  be  held 
in  abeyance  until  just  before  daylight  the  following 
morning.    The  night  passed  quietly. 

At  1 :00  a.  m.,  October  6th,  time  was  moved  back 
one  hour.  At  2  :00  a.  m.,  October  6th,  the  following 
order  was  received  from  C.  0.,  6th  Regiment: 

''Headquarters,  6th  Regiment, 

Marine  Corps,  American  E.  F. 

France,  6  Oct.  18. 

Hour  1 :30  a.  m. 
FIELD  ORDER  NO. 
MAP— S.  T.  C.  A.  1-20,000 

1.  The  enemy  occupies  three  machine  gun  nests 
in  the  sector  of  this  division  about  500  yards  north 
of  our  line. 

2.  The  Third  Battalion,  6th  Marines,  operating  in 
conjunction  with  the  2nd  battalion  of  the  23rd  Inf. 
on  its  right  will  attack  and  capture  or  destroy  the 
enemy  and  occupy  the  position. 


THIRD     BATTALION  85 

3.  (a)  The  attack  begins  at  6:30  a.  m.  and  is 
preceded  by  one  hour's  artillery  preparation  as  indi- 
cated in  artillery  program  attached.  At  6  :30  a.  m. 
an  artillery  barrage  will  move  forward  to  the  line 
indicated  in  the  artillery  program  where  it  remains 
until  7  :00  a.  m. 

(b)  Boundary  limits — Eastern:  the  Eastern 
limit  of  regimental  sub-sector.  Western:  Western 
limit  of  division  sector. 

(c)  Upon  obtaining  the  objective  the  troops 
will  consolidate  the  line  indicated  in  red  in  attached 
sketch. 

4.  Messages  to  Regimental  P.  C. 

(Signed)  Lee." 

Copies  to :  C.  0.  3rd  Btn. :  C.  G.  4th  Brig. :  C.  0. 
5th  Reg. :  C.  0.  23rd.  Inf. :  C.  0.  62nd  Inf.  Fr-nch  and 
File." 

Company  Commanders  were  called  to  the  Third 
Battalion  P.  G.  at  3  :00  a.  m.  and  instructions  given 
for  the  attack.  The  third  battalion  was  to  advance 
to  the  second  line  of  trenches  East  of  St.  Etienne. 
The  advance  was  begun  at  6  :30  a.  m.,  October  6th, 
and  an  hour  later  the  objective  was  reached.  The 
97th  Company  suffered  severe  casualties  from  ma- 
chine gun  fire  in  this  operation  and  when  it  advanced 
again  at  8 :45  a.  m.  met  very  heavy  machine  gun 
fire  from  the  right  front.  The  casualties  in  the  four 
Third  Battalion  companies  were  approximately  35 
to  40  per  cent  of  the  effectives  engaged,  mostly  from 
machine  gun  fire. 

After  the  attack,  liaison  was  established  on  right 
with  23rd  Infantry  and  on  left  with  62nd  Regiment 


86  HISTORY     OF    THE 

(French).  At  3:00  p.  m.  however,  the  French  evac- 
uated St.  Etienne,  leaving  our  flank  exposed. 

Our  line  and  flank  positions  were  shelled  heavily 
all  day.  An  infiltration  movement  by  the  enemy  was 
noticed  in  the  afternoon  toward  St.  Etienne,  which 
was  re-o<Jcupied  by  the  enemy. 

At  3 :30  p.  m.  guides  were  sent  to  Regimental  Head- 
quarters to  bring  out  a  reconnoitering  party  for  sup- 
posed relief.  In  accordance  with  the  following  mes- 
sage, at  8:30  p.  m.,  guides  were  sent  to  Regimental 
headquarters  to  act  as  guides  to  the  platoons  of  the 
relieving  142nd  Regiment,  2nd  Battalion: 

"From:     C.  0.  6th  Marines.  At  P.  C. 
Date  :         6  Oct.  18  6 :40  p.  m.   By  runner. 

You  will  have  at  these  headquarters,  not  later  than 
9 :00  p.  m.  this  date  a  guide  from  each  platoon,  who 
will  act  as  guides  to  the  platoons  of  the  relieving 
(142nd)  Regiment.  Upon  the  arrival  of  this  regi- 
ment for  relief,  these  guides  will  escort  correspond- 
ing platoons  of  the  companies  to  their  positions  in 
line.  Men  detailed  for  this  purpose  must  be  familiar 
with  the  route  from  these  headquarters,  to  their 
platoon  positions.  Upon  their  arrival  in  place  the 
relieved  units  will  remain  in  place  with  the  relieving 
units.  A  copy  of  the  Brigade  Order  for  the  relief 
will  be  forwarded  to  you,  as  soon  as  the  copies  can 
be  made.  The  machine  gun  company,  stokes  mortars 
and  one  pounder  w^ill  remain  with  the  relieving  regi- 
ment until  relieved  by  the  special  troops  of  that 
regiment.    Probably  October  7th. 

Organization  commanders  will  furnish  the  neces- 
sary staff  officers  in  order  to  enable  the  officers  of 
the  relieving  regiment  to  make  a  thorough  recon- 
naissance of  the  front  line.    Specific  orders  for  the 


THIRD    BATTALION  87 

withdrawal  of  this  regiment  are  necessary,  and  un- 
til received  this  regiment,  with  the  exceptions  quoted 
above  (M.  G.  C,  Stokes  and  one  pounder  troops) 
will  remain  in  place. 

(Signed)  Lee.'* 

The  relief  was  completed  at  6 :00  a.  m.,  October  7th. 
This  battalion  remained  in  same  position  with  the 
2nd  Battalion  of  the  142nd  Infantry.  The  Machine 
Gun  Company,  Stokes  Mortars  and  One  Pounders 
were  attached  temporarily  to  relieving  battalion. 
This  relief  was  completed  in  accordance  with  Fourth 
Brigade,  Field  Order  No.  21. 

During  the  night  of  October  6-7  a  strong  combat 
liaison  was  established  with  French  troops  on  left, 
who  during  the  night  had  re-entered  St.  Etienne. 
The  French  Commanding  Officer  informed  Regiment- 
al Headquarters  that  his  regiment  held  all  of  the 
town,  and  that  his  right  was  near  the  cemetery  to 
the  east  of  the  town..  He  also  requested  that  the 
gap  between  this  right  and  our  left  be  closed  by  us. 

On  the  morning  of  the  7th,  the  Commanding  Offi- 
cer, 6th  Regiment,  on  request  of  Division  Command- 
er, asked  for  information  as  to  whether  the  enemy* 
had  withdrawn  from  our  front.  Also  information 
was  requested  as  to  width,  depth  and  character  of 
banks  of  small  stream  running  thru  St.  Etienne. 
Patrols  and  scouts  were  sent  out  to  obtain  this  in- 
formation. They  reported  that  the  stream  was  nar- 
row and  the  banks  afforded  easy  crossing.  Front 
the  continual  shell  fire  and  machine  gun  harassment, 
which  our  front  lines  were  continually  subjected  to. 


88  HISTORY    OP    THE 

it  was  evident  that  the  enemy  was  still  in  contact 
with  us.  In  fact  for  three  days  the  light  and  heavy 
artillery  of  the  enemy  played  at  will  upon  our  front 
line  positions.  Our  trenches,  the  positions  of  which 
were  known  to  him,  our  P.  C.  and  the  lines  of  com- 
munication were  continually  shelled.  The  enemy  was 
able  by  direct  observation  to  fire  at  men  in  trenches 
and  even  to  snipe  at  runners  or  any  other  target 
with  their  88s.  We  suffered  serious  casualties  from 
this.  During  the  first  two  days  that  the  hill  South- 
'east  of  St.  Etienne  was  occupied  by  us  our  lines 
were  continually  harassed  by  machine  gun  nests  to 
our  immediate  right  front.  This  continued  shell  fire 
told  greatly  upon  the  spirits  of  the  men  who  had  been 
in  the  open  for  over  a  week  without  blankets,  with  a 
scanty  supply  of  water  and  with  but  one  warm  meal 
a  day.  Repeated  calls  for  counter-battery  work  were 
made  upon  our  artillery  during  the  day  following  our 
attack  on  the  hill  Southeast  of  St.  Etienne.  Little 
if  any  response  to  these  calls  was  noticed.  Our  ar- 
tillery devoted  most  of  its  attention  to  enemy  infan- 
try targets.  When  destructive  fire  was  asked  for  in 
certain  localities  meagre  response  was  noted. 

At  11 :00  a.  m.,  October  7th,  Lieutenant  Noble  re- 
ported that  his  platoon  had  found  Germans  in  the 
trenches  at  the  right  of  town,  and  at  2:40  p.  m.  the 
following  message  was  received  from  Lieut.  Noble 
and  sent  to  Commanding  Officer,  6th  Regiment. 

**It  is  estimated  that  at  least  200  of  enemy  are 
still  in  the  town,  and  more  are  seen  filtering  from 
over  the  hill  into  the  town.     It  is  believed  that  they 


THIRD     BATTALION  89 

are  trying  to  filter  into  the  N.  E.  end  of  town,  and 
drive  the  remaining  French  out.  Their  barrage  did 
not  play  on  part  of  town  to  the  N.  E.  of  church.  They 
occupy  a  trench  near  the  town,  between  us  and  the 
town.  They  are  probably  trying  to  strike  the  French 
right  flank  and  later  our  left  flank.  It  is  believed 
necessary  for  the  Americans  to  advance  some  troops 
(probably  a  Btn.)  to  occupy  trench  between  us  and 
the  town  as  soon  as  possible,  or  else  advance  here. 

(Signed)  A.  H.  Noble. ^' 

At  6:30  p.  m.  word  was  received  from  the  Com- 
manding Officer,  6th  Regiment  that  the  1st  Battalion 
would  occupy  the  gap  between  the  French  and  our 
left.  This  movement  was  completed  during  the  night. 

Our  positions  were  heavily  shelled  during  the  day 
and  night  of  October  7th,  producing  a  number  of 
casualties. 

At  5  :05  a.  m.,  October  8th  the  Commanding  Offi- 
cer of  the  2nd  Battalion,  142nd  Regiment,  whose 
Battalion  was  in  line  with  this  battalion,  and 
whose  battalion  was  badly  disorganized  received  or- 
ders to  attack  at  5 :4r5  a.  m.,  the  objective  being  Cau- 
roy.  After  a  heavy  barrage  the  above  battalion 
supported  by  tanks  advanced  upon  German  positions. 
They  cleared  out  the  machine  gun  nests  on  our  right 
front,  and  established  a  line  east  of  St.  Etienne, 
about  one  kilometer  from  the  jumping  off  position. 
They  sustained  very  heavy  losses,  took  some  prisoners 
and  became  entirely  disorganized. 

Our  battalion  constituted  part  of  division  reserve 
and  remained  in  position.  The  following  message 
was  sent  at  1 :25  p.  m. : 


90  HISTORY    OF    THE 

'^From:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn.,  6tli  Rgt. 

At:  P.  C. 

Date:        8  Oct.,  18,  1:25  p.  m.  No.  1  by  runner. 

To:  C.  0.  6th  Rgt. 

The  men  of  this  battalion  are  getting  in  very  bad 
shape  physically.  Their  spirit  is  good  and  I  haven't 
heard  a  complaint,  but  the  fact  remains  that  they 
have  been  through  hell  and  are  under  constant  shell 
fire  and  no  let  up.  I  believe  that  the  machine  gun 
nests  that  have  worried  our  line  so  much  are  now 
wiped  out.  I  am  getting  in  liasion  with  whatever 
units  are  on  my  right  and  left. 

(Signed)   Shuler." 

At  5 :00  p.  m.  a  very  heavy  enemy  barrage  was 
placed  just  back  of  the  new  line  established  by  the 
142nd  Regiment,  producing  a  heavy  concentration 
of  high  explosive  gas.  As  a  result  the  men  holding 
that  line  retreated  through  barrage  and  through  our 
lines,  thus  losing  the  ground  gained  in  the  morning. 
This  Battalion  remained  in  line  and  did  much  in 
organizing  stragglers.  The  strong  points  were  es- 
tablished in  the  woods  on  our  right  front,  that  had 
previously  been  enemy  machine  gun  nests.  Our  orig- 
inal positions  were  made  secure.  Many  infantrymen; 
of  the  142nd  Regiment  reached  our  P.  C.  where  they 
were  stopped  and  ordered  to  dig  in  on  a  newly  formed 
line. 

Our  positions  continued  to  be  heavily  shelled  all 
day  and  night.  At  5 :00  a.  m.,  October  9th,  a  heavy 
enemy  barrage  was  placed  on  our  position,  but  there 
was  no  attack. 


THIRD     BATTALION  91 

Efforts  were  made  during  the  day  by  the  142nd 
Regiment  to  reorganize  and  take  up  line  in  front  of 
our  positions. 

The  following  was  the  line  strength  of  our  com- 
panies on  the  morning  of  October  9th. 

82nd   Co 1    Officer 69   men 

97th    Co 3  Officers 63  men 

83rd  Co 6  Officers 90  men 

84th   Co 2  Officers 65   men 


12  288 

At  1 :05  p.  m.  word  was  received  that  6th  Regi- 
ment would  be  relieved  that  night  and  would  pro- 
ceed to  the  Suippe  area.  At  1 :45  p.  m.  billeting 
party  was  sent  out.  At  midnight  the  battalion  left 
the  line  and  marched  to  Suippe,  arriving  there  at 
8:00  a.  m.,  having  halted  for  two  hours  at  Medeah 
Farm  where  hot  breakfast  was  served. 

Captain  Jacobsen  reported  on  October  11th  and 
was  given  comjnand  of  the  84th  Company.  The  same 
day  82  replacements  arrived  and  were  distributed  as 
follows :  82nd  Company,  21 ;  83rd  Company,  20 ;  84th 
Company,  23;  97th  Company,  18. 

Advantage  was  taken  of  hot  shower  baths  and  de- 
lousing  equipment  and  all  men  given  baths,  deloused 
and  issued  one  suit  of  underwear  each. 

In  accordance  with  Divisional  Field  Orders  No. 
42  and  march  table  attached,  this  battalion  marched 
to  Vadenay,  morning  of  14th,  and  billeted. 

October  16th  136  replacements  arrived  and  were 
distributed  as  follows :  82nd  Company,  33 ;  83rd  Com- 


92  HISTORY    OP    THE 

pany,  30;  84th  Company,  28;  97th  Company,  45. 
Captain  Pink  H.  Stone,  reported  October  17  and  was 
assigned  to  command  82nd  Company. 

A  complete  drill  schedule  was  put  in  effect  at 
Vadenay  and  companies  were  given  opportunity  to 
reorganize.  Officers  and  men  were  given  liberty  to 
Chalons-sur-Mame. 


'PROPOSED  RELIEF  OF  73d  FRENCH" 

DIVISION 

At  6  :15  a.  m.,  October  20,  verbal  orders  were  re- 
ceived from  Regimental  Commander  to  prepare  to 
march  that  day.  At  11:25  a.  m.  the  following  mem- 
orandum was  received: 

**  Headquarters,  Sixth  Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  American  E.  F. 

France,  20  October,  1918. 
MEMORANDUM:  For  C.  0.,  3rd  Battalion: 

(1)  Have  your  dinner  as  early  as  possible  and 
proceed  with  your  battalion  and  train  via  the  route 
by  which  you  came  to  your  present  billets  to  Suippes, 
where  you  will  occupy  your  former  billets.  Should 
the  billeting  truck  not  have  arrived  before  you  leave, 
direct  your  billeting  party  to  await  its  arrival  at 
Vadenay.  By  order  Colonel  Lee: 

Pere  Wilmer,  Capt.  U.  S.  M.  C,  Adj. 


>5 


In  accordance  with  the  above  memorandum  bat- 
talion marched  at  1 :00  p.  m.,  arriving  at  Suippe  at 
5 :30  p.  m.  Billeted  there  for  the  night.  The  follow- 
ing field  order  was  received  at  3 :30  a.  m.,  21st 
October : 


THIRD    BATTALION  9a 


( ( 


Headquarters,  Sixth  Re^ment, 
Marine  Corps,  Am.  E.  F. 

France,  21  Oct.,  1918. 

SECRET— Field  Order  No.  18. 

Time :  3  :10  a.  m. 

Maps:  Sheet  Verdun. 

1.  In  accordance  with  Field  Order  No.  24,  Hdq. 
4th  Briofade,  20  Oct.,  18,  this  regiment  will  move  to- 
wards the  line  for  the  purpose  of  relieving  the  73rd 
D.  I.  (French)  in  the  region  Voncq-Attigny.  _  The 
sector  will  be  occupied  with  both  regiments  of  this 
Brigade  in  the  front  line,  the  5th  Regiment  on  the 
right,  the  6th  Regiment  on  the  left.  The  disposition 
of  this  regiment  will  be  as  follows:  2nd  Bn.  in 
front  line,  3rd  Bn.  in  support,  and  the  1st  Bn.  in 
reserve. 

2.  This  regiment  will  march  21st  Oct.,  18,  to  the 
area:  Leffincourt  (inch),  Mazagran,  area  west  of  high 
road  Mazagran-Somme  Py  to  the  heights  of  Cha- 
teau Bemont  (exclusive),  and  Orfeuil  (exclusive)^ 
Medeah  F>arm  (exclusive.) 

This  regiment  will  occupy  the  western  part  of  the 
above  area.  The  disposition  will  be  as  follows:  2nd 
Bn.  in  Leffincourt  and  vicinity,  3rd  Bn.  in  Camp 
Bayen  Lager  North,  1st  Bn.,  Hdqr.  Co.,  Supply  Co. 
and  attached  troops  in  southern  part  of  area. 
By  order  of  Colonel  Lee: 
H.  P.  Mason,  Capt.  U.  S.  M.  C, 

Operations  Officer." 

The  following  modification  of  Field  Order  18  was 
received  at  6 :00  a.  m. 


94  HISTORY    OF    THE 


<  ( 


>> 


Headquarters,   Sixth  Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  Am.  E.  P. 

France,  21  Oct.,  1918. 
Field  Orders  No.  18. 

1.  Field  Order  No.  18,  these  headquarters,  21 
October,  18,  is  modified  to  conform  with  following 
Special  Orders  No.  41,  9th  Army  Corps,  French: 

''No.  27  road,  Suippes-Somme-Py  forbidden  as  far 
as  Medeah  Farm.  Route  allowed,  Perthe,  Tahure, 
Mont  Muret,  Tunel  de  Manre,  Orfeuil.  Take  to  the 
Pistes  (paths)  at  will." 

By  order  of  Colonel  Lee: 

H.  P.  Mason,  Capt.,  Adjutant.' 

In  accordance  with  the  above  orders  battalion 
inarched  at  8 :00  a.  m.,  October  21,  via  route  given. 
After  marching  from  8 :00  a.  m.  until  10 :30  p.  m. 
(three  hours  rest  at  noon),  the  battalion,  because  of 
exhausted  condition  of  men,  was  halted  for  a  few 
hours'  rest  and  men  allowed  to  bivouac  along  road. 
At  5 :30  a.  m.,  October  22,  the  march  was  resumed 
reaching  Camp  Bayen  Lager  North  at  9 :00  a.  m. 
Battalion  was  billeted  comfortably  in  barracks  and 
hot  meal  served  at  10:30  a.  m. 

At  1:00  p.  m.  the  following  field  message  was  re- 
ceived : 

''From:     C.  0.   6th  Marines. 

At:  Leffincourt,  France. 

Date:        22  Oct.  18,  8:30  a.  m.  by  motorcycle. 

To:  C.  0.  1,  2  and  3  Bn. 

Measures  for  the  relief  of  the  73rd  Division, 
French,  by  this  Brigade  are  discontinued,  by  order 
of  the  Commanding  Greneral,  9th  Army  Corps, 
French.     All  movements  by  troops  of  this  regiment, 


THIRD     BATTALION  95 

except  those  necessary  to  take  positions  ordered  in 
Field  Order  No.  24,  20th  inst.,  will  be  discontinued 
and  troops  "vvill  remain  in  place  until  further  or- 
ders. You  will  have  intelligence  officers  furnish  ac- 
curate sketch  of  positions  immediately.  Lee." 
At  2  :00  p.  m.  the  following  message  w^as  received : 

''From:     C.  0.  6th  Marines. 
At :  Leffincourt. 

Date:         22  Oct.,  18;  11:45  a.  m.  By  motorcycle. 
To:  C.  0.  1st,  2nd  and  3rd  Bns.,  Hdqrs.  Sup- 

ply Co. 's  Surgeon. 
The  2nd  Division  will  move  today,  P.  C.  to  be 
at  Herpont.  This  regiment  remains  in  position  today 
and  will  move  tomorrow.  We  are  returning  to  the 
First  Army.  Give  careful  attention  to  the  feet  of 
the  men ;  avoid  loss  of  any  equipment.  Further  de- 
tails later.  Lee." 


MEUSE-ARGONNE    OFFENSIVE    OPERATIONS 

In  accordance  with  subsequent  orders  Battalion 
marched  at  7:30  a.  m.,  Oct.  23rd,  via  Somme-Py  ar- 
riving at  ''Camp  Four-Fifths'"  four  kilometers 
Northeast  of  Suippes,  at  5  :30  p.  m.  Train  arrived  at 
6  :15  p.  m.  and  hot  meal  was  given  men  at  8  :30  p.  m. 

Battalion  remained  in  place  in  this  camp,  cleaning 
up  and  resting  until  morning  of  25th. 

The  battalion  marched  at  5 :45  a.  m.  October  25th  to 
Somme-Suippes  where  Battalion  embussed  and  de- 
parted at  8  :45  a.  m.  arriving  at  Les  Islettes  at  1 :00 
p.  m.  Disembarked  and  marched  four  kilometers  to 
Camp  Lochere  in  Argonne  Forest.    Bivouacked  for 


96  HISTORY     OF    THE 

night. 

October  26th  companies  were  paid  by  Regimental 
Pajrmaster  and  marched  at  4:00  p.  m.  in  accordance 
with  the  following  order: 

**  Headquarters,  Sixth  Resriment, 
Marine  Corps,  Am.  E.  P. 

France,  26  October,  1918. 
Field  Orders  No.  20. 

1.  In  accordance  T\ath  Field  Orders  No.  31,  Hdq. 
4th  Brigade,  26  Oct.,  1918,  this  regiment  will  march 
to  the  woods  on  the  left  of  the  Exermont-Chaudron 
Farm  road  in  the  square  whose  co-ordinates  are 
01-80,  02-80,  01-79,  02-79  and  will  take  station  in  this 
woods  in  the  following  order : 

1st  Bn.  in  northern  part. 
3rd  Bn.  in  the  central  part. 
2nd  Bn.  in  the  southern  part. 

2.  The  Regiment  -r^II  march  as  follows: 

(a)  Route  of  March  for  troops  and  machine 
guns: 
Chemin-Romaine-Tranche  running  north 
through  Foret-de-Argonne-Varennes  north 
to  National  Route — 200  yards  along  that 
route  north  to  Charpentry-Baulny  and  north 
to  destination. 

The  above  route  will    be    followed    except 
where  impossible. 

(b)  Route  of  March  for  Trains: 

Trains  will  march  via  routes  which  were 
found  by  reconnaissance  parties  despatched 
25  October  to  be  most  practicable,  keeping 
as  near  as  possible  to  the  prescribed  route 
of  troops  and  clear  of  guarded  roads. 

(c)  Order  of  March: 

1st  Bn.,  3rd  Bn.  2nd  Bn. 


THIRD    BATTALION  97 

The  Hdq.  Co.  will  follow  the  2nd  Bn.  and 
the  Supply  Co.  the  3rd  Bn. 
The  leading  element  will  march  at  1 :30 
p.  m.,  this  date  and  unit  commanders  will 
be  responsible  for  appropriate  distances  be- 
tween units. 

Trains  will  follow  their  respective  organiza- 
tions. 

Major  Shuler  will  send  one  guide  each  to  the 
1st  and  2nd  Bns. 

(d)  The  road  will  be  kept  clear  for  the  pass- 
ing through   of  the  5th  Regiment. 

(e)  The  strictest  road  discipline  will  be  ob- 
served and  the  usual  open  march  formation 
will  be  taken.  The  head  of  the  column  will 
not  debouch  from  the  forest  to  the  S.  E. 
of  Varennes  until  dusk  or  such  time  as  the 
movements  of  troops  will  be  secure  fromi 
aerial  observation. 

3.  (a)  Ration  distributing  point  from  12:45  p.  m. 

27  Oct.,  1918,  Baulny. 
(b)  Advanced  S.  A.  A.  dump  (including  1  lb., 
Stokes  Mortar,  hand  and  rifle  grenades)  at  Western 
exit  of  Exermont  from  evening  of  26  October,  '18. 
Provisions  must  be  made  for  issuing  two  rifle  and 
two  hand  grenades  to  each  man. 

4.  P.  C.  of  this  regiment  will  be  at  Chaudron 
Farm. 

5.  Rear  echelon  of  this  regiment  will  be  at  the 
present  location  of  the  regimental  P.  C.  Company. 
Clerks  will  be  sent  to  report  to  the  Regimental  Per- 
sonnel Officer  at  this  point,  this  date. 

By  order  of  Colonel  Lee: 
Pere  Wilmer,  Maj.  Marine  Corps,  Adj." 

After  a  very  difficult  march,  over  rough  roads 
and  through  deep  mud  battalion  arrived  in  position 


98  HISTORY     OF    THE 

ordered  at  3  :DQ  a.  m.,  October  27tli  and  bivouacked. 
Train  arrived  at  5 :30  a.  m.  and  breakfast  was  served 
to  men  at  10 :00  a.  m.  Battalion  remained  in  this 
position  until  October  30th. 

On  October  28th  Major  Fagan,  with  one  officer  and 
one  NCO.  from  each  company  and  two  of  the  Bat- 
talion Scouts  reconnoitered  the  support  position  that 
this  battalion  was  to  take  up,  relieving  42nd  Division. 

During  stay  in  this  position  all  men  were  pro\dded 
with  220  rounds  of  rifle  ammunition,  two  hand  gren- 
ades and  two  rifle  grenades  each  and  two  days'  re- 
serve rations. 

October  30th  Mjajor  General  Summerall,  Command- 
ing 5th  Army  Corps,  accompanied  by  Major  General 
LeJeune,  spoke  to  the  Battalion  for  a  few  minutes  on 
the  purpose  and  importance  of  the  impending  attack. 

Battalion  marched  at  6 :00  p.  m.,  October  30,  by 
companies,  to  support  position,  relieving  battalion  of 
the  166th  Infantry.  15th  machine  gun  company  re- 
ported. 

The  following  order  Vv^as  received  at  6:00  p.  m., 
October  31st: 


<  i 


Headquarters,    Sixth   Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  A.  E.  F. 

France,  31  October,  1918. 
Field  Orders  No.  23. 

1.  Battalions  will  move  to  suitable  covered  posi- 
tions so  as  to  be  ready  to  attack  tomorrow  morning, 
November  1st.  This  movement  may  commence  at 
once  and  must  be  completed  by  2 :30  a.  m. 

2.  At  on-ce  on  arrival  in  this  position  battalion 
commander  will  send  to  the  Regimental  P.  C.  a  re- 


THIRD    BATTALION  99 

port  of  their  exact  location  and  a  statement  that  they 
are  ready  to  attack.  Battalion  signal  personnel  will 
establish  phone  connections  at  these  ''jump  off"  posi- 
tions. 

3.  "II"  hour  will  be  communicated  to  organiza- 
tions as  soon  as  known. 

4.  Just  before  leaving  their  present  positions  for 
the  "jump  off"  positions,  each  battalion  commander 
will  telephone  to  the  Regimental  P.  C.  the  code  word 
Paris.  H.  Lee, 

Colonel,  U.  S.  M.  C,  Commanding." 

In  accordance  with  the  above  order  companies 
moved  out  on  previously  reconnoitered  routes  to  their 
"jump  off"  positions.  Battalion  headquarters  re- 
mained in  place  until  word  was  received  that  all 
companies  were  in  position,  at  midnight. 

The  following  Field  Order  giving  zero  day  and 
hour  was  received  at  9 :00  p.  m. 

Headquarter  Sixth  Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  Am.  E.  F. 

France,  31  Oct.  18. 

Field  Order  No.  24.-8  :40  p.  m. 

1.  There  is  no  change  in  the  information  of  the 
enemy  and  our  own  troops. 

2.  This  regiment  forms  for  attack. 

3'.  (a)  The  battalions  and  liaison  groups  will  move 
into  position  by  2  hours  (2:00  a.  m.)  November  1st, 
1918,  to  carry  out  the  missions  assigned  them  by 
Field  Orders  No.  49  Hq.  2nd  Div.,  dated  31  Oct. 
1918  at  7:00  hours. 

(b)  All  elements  of  the  2nd  Bn.  156th  Inf.  must  be 
in  rear  of  the  line  of  departure  of  this  regiment  by 
three  hours  (3:00  a.  m.)  November  1st,  1918. 


100  HISTORY     OF    THE 

(c)  "D**  day— November  1,  1918. 

*'H'^  hour — Five  thirty  hours  (5:30  a.  m.) 

4.  (a)  Liaison — No  change. 

(b)  Administrative  arrangements — No  change. 

(c)  M.  P.  will  take  over  prisoners  of  war  north 
of    Sommerance    on    the    Sommerance-Landres-et-St 
Georges  road. 

5.  P.   C.   of  this  regiment — No   change. 

H.  Lee,  Col.  U.  S.  M.  C,  Comdg. 

During  the  night  of  October  31-November  1,  this 
battalion  moved  into  its  jumping  off  position  North- 
east of  Sommerance,  from  whence  it  moved  out  at 
5 :30  a.  m.  in  support  of  the  First  Battalion  and  con- 
tinued its  advance  until  8 :00  a.  m.  when  it  passed 

through  First  Battalion  and  halted  at  the  first  objec- 
tive.   At  8  :14  a.  m.  the  following  message  was  sent : 

"From:     Commanding   Officer   Third  Battalion. 
To.  Commanding  Officer  Sixth  Regiment. 

My  two  leading  companies  are  on  first  objective, 
following  companies  on  ridge  in  position  to  ad- 
vance at  proper  time.  Few  casualties.  Barker  is 
near  me.  Have  met  two  companies  of  Williams 
back  of  St.  Georges.  Made  good  time  since  last 
message. 

G.  K.  Shuler,  Major,  U.  S.  M.  C. 


>  > 


At  9 :00  a.  m.  it  took  up  the  advance  as  the  leading 
battalion  closely  following  our  own  barrage,  until 
the  second  objective  was  reached  at  12 :30  p.  m.  where 
the  battalion  dug  in  and  the  Second  and  First  bat- 
talions passed  thru  and  continued  the  advance.  At 
11 :00  a.  m.  the  following  message  was  sent: 


THIRD     BATTALION  101 

^'From:     Commandinf^  Officer  Third  Battalion. 
To:  Conimanding  Officer  Sixth  Regiment. 

We  are  in  Chennery  and  Bayonville  and  passing 
up  to  2nd  objective.  Took  about  100  prisoners  here 
by  using  tank  assisted  by  riflemen.  About  100 
enemy  retreated  from  their  guns  to  woods  south- 
east of  Sivry.  The  woods  north  of  2nd  objective 
should  be  well  shelled.  Have  taken  6  88s.  Scouts 
just  reported  that  we  hold  Chenery  and  Bayonville. 
Enemy  are  shelling  from  woods  north  of  Bayonville. 
G.  K.  Shuler,  Major,  U.  S.  M.  C." 

Our  P.  C.  was  established  in  Bayonville.  The  fol- 
lowing prisoners  and  materials  were  captured  by  this 
battalion  during  its  advance  :* 

Prisoners  250 

Cannon    27   (including  one  8  inch  gun) 

Machine  Guns   ....   30 

Rifles   100 

Horses    12 

Ambulances   3 

Signal   Outfit 

Ammunition 

Dynamo 

The  following  losses  were  sustained  :t 

Officers     Men 

Killed    0  21 

Wounded    2  57 

IVIissing 2  12 

Three  tanks  reported  after  the  first  objective  had 
been  obtained  and  were  assigned  to  the  83rd  Com- 
pany and  placed  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Noble.    These  tanks  moved   forward  when  we   ad- 

•Estimated   by  company  commanders. 
tTaken  from  company   reports  at  the  time. 


102  HISTORY    OF    THE 

vanced  and  kept  up  with  the  leading  elements.  Upon 
reaching  the  outskirts  of  Chennery  and  while  under 
cover  of  the  crest  of  a  hill  it  was  found  possible  U 
maneuver  the  83rd  Company  and  tanks  to  flank  i, 
battery  of  four  enemy  77mm  guns.  This  battery  was 
firing  direct  fire  into  the  left  of  our  sector  and  was 
taken  completely  by  surprise  from  their  left  flank. 
One  tank  approached  and  covered  the  advance  of 
a  squad  of  riflemen  and  sldllful  use  of  its  one-pound- 
er and  riflemens'  weapons  compelled  the  surrender 
of  one  officer  and  75  artillerymen,  who  were  man- 
ning the  battery.  As  a  result  of  this  operation  over 
200  of  the  enemy  from  different  points  of  the  ravine 
were  observed  retreating  on  the  run  to  the  woods 
Northeast  of  Sivry.  The  three  tanks  upon  the  at- 
tainment of  the  second  objective  went  forward  with 
the  Second  Battalion  when  that  battalion  passed 
through.  The  work  of  the  tanks  was  most  commend- 
able. The  officers  in  charge  co-operated  in  every  way 
possible. 

It  is  desired  to  make  special  mention  of  the  matter 
in  which  Bayonville  was  taken  and  organized.  Capt. 
Noble  of  the  83rd  Company  cleaned  the  town  thor- 
oughly of  the  enemy.   He  was  able  to  do  this  because 

of  the  thorough  manner  in  which  his  preparation 
had  been  made.  By  a  careful  study  of  maps  of  the 
town  and  by  assignment  of  units  to  do  certain  work 
the  capture  of  the  town  was  affected  in  a  systematic 
and  business  like  manner.  With  no  losses  in  his  Com- 
pany 100  prisoners  were  taken  and  the  town  taken. 


THIRD     BATTALION  103 

Captain  Jacobsen  and  84th  Company  following  the 
83rd  were  assigned  the  task  of  cleaning  up  and  hold- 
ing the  town.  This  was  done  thoroughly  and  syste- 
matically. Before  the  arrival  of  Battalion  Headquar- 
ters Captain  Jacobsen  had  organized  an  evacuation 
hospital  under  charge  of  Major  Schultz  of  the  Ger- 
man Medical  Corps;  had  three  Grerman  ambulances 
in  operation  and  was  caring  for  and  evacuating 
•both  our  o\^Ti  and  German  wounded.  Patrols  were 
mounted  on  captured  German  horses  and  doing  effec- 
tive work  between  the  front  line  and  rear.  All  dug- 
outs had  been  located  so  that  upon  arrival  of  the 
various  Hdq.  all  units  were  properly  housed  without 
confusion.  The  efforts  of  Captain  Jacobsen  in  this 
town  which  was  constantly  under  shell  fire  were  most 
commendable. 

The  rolling  kitchens  arrived  in  Bayonville  at  10 :30 
a.  m.,  November  2,  and  went  to  the  positions  near 
their  respective  companies. 

The  following  orders  were  received  at  3:00  a.  m. 
November  3rd. 

*'The  4th  Brigade  will  continue  its  advance  in  ac- 
cordance with  Field  Orders  No.  53,  2nd  Division,  2nd 
Nov.,  1918.  The  3rd  Brigade  takes  up  the  advance  at 
6  :00  a.  m.  3rd  November,  1918,  from  line  of  exploita- 
tion. 

The  Brigade  will  advance  in  line  of  Regiments,. 
5th  Marines  on  right  and  6th  Marines  on  left.  The 
4th  Machine  Gun  Battalion  attached,  will  take  po- 
eitions  in  the  march  column  about  one  kilometer  irt 
rear  of  the  rear  battalion  6th  Regiment. 


104  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Ri^ht  and  left  combat  liaison  forces  will  continue 
to  operate  as  directed  in  Field  Orders  No.  36,  4tli 
Brigade,  2nd  November,  1918,  until  further  orders. 

Ration  distribution  point  the  same. 

Rolling  kitchens,  water  carts,  etc.,  and  combat 
trains  will  move  forward  with  troops  as  directed  by 
organization  Commanders. 

P.  C.  4th  Brigade  remains  in  place. 

By  command  of  Brigadier  General  Neville: 
Earl  H.  Ellis,  Lt.  Col.,  U.  S.  M.  C,  Adj. 

Note — The  6th  Regiment  moves  forward  at  6 :00  a. 
m.,  following  the  23rd  Inf.  Details  as  given  in 
^'Warning"  issued  from  these  Hdq.  10:45  p.  m.,  2 
November,  1918.  H.  Lee, 

Colonel,  U.  S.  M.  C." 

Received  1 :00  a.  m.  3rd  Nov. 
"^'Warning: 

The  3rd  Brigade  will  move  tonight,  2-3  November, 
1918,  to  the  heights  beyond  the  exploitation  line, 
organizing  there  prepared  for  forward  movement. 
The  23rd  Inf.  will  advance  through  this  regiment  in 
its  present  position.  It  is  understood  that  they  will 
pass  in  column  formation  (not  affecting  a  regular 
passage  of  lines  nor  in  any  manner  a  relief). 

The  2nd  Bn.  (Williams)  will  establish  liaison 
'Rdth  the  rear  elements  of  the  23rd  Inf.  by  means  of 
a  group  of  one  officer  and  four  runners.  The  1st 
Bn.  (Barker)  will  establish  similar  liaison  with  our 
First  battalion.  This  liaison  is  established  in  order 
that  early  word  of  any  forward  movement  of  the 
23rd  Inf.  may  be  had  with  least  practicable  delay. 

In  case  the  23rd  Inf.  should  make  a  forward 
movement,  this  regiment  will  follow  in  support  of 
them  at  1.000  yards  distance.  If  for  combat,  it  will 
move  in  three  lines,  present  order  of  battalions.  If 
for  pursuit,  in  the  best  formation  adapted  to  security, 


THIRD    BATTALION  105 

maintaining  the  liaison  with  elements  ahead.  The 
left  liaison  group,  Major  Stowell,  will  in  case  of  any 
forward  movement,  operate  as  combat  liaison  be- 
tween the  leading  element  of  this  reg-iment  and  the 
80th  Division  on  our  left. 

All  auxiliary  troops  will  march  as  now  attached. 

All  troops  will  be  prepared  to  move  at  daylight. 
Rolling  kitchens,  water  and  ration  carts  will  ac- 
company their  organizations.  Other  elements  of  the 
regiment's  train  (B  &  R)  wagons,  combat  wagons, 
etc.,  will,  be  organized  by  the  Supply  Officer  and 
follow  the  rear  elements  at  2  kilometers. 

All  assigned  mounts  will  be  sent  to  this  P.  C". 
by  daybreak,  morning  of  3  November,  1918. 

Organization  commanders  will  inform  these  head- 
quarters as  to  the  number  of  reserve  rations  required. 
Supply  Officer  will  inform  to  the  number  of  reserve 
rations  available. 

If  forvv^ard  movement  is  taken  up,  this  P.  C.  will 
be  with  the  rear  element  of  the  3rd  Btn. 

LEE." 

In  accordance  with  the  above  orders  this  Battalion 
moved  into  position  just  Southeast  of  Fosse,  one  kilo- 
meter in  rear  of  the  First  Battalion,  arriving  at 
11 :00  a.  m.,  November  3rd. 

At  11 :00  a.  m.  the  following  message  was  sent : 

''From:     Commanding  Officer  Third  Battalion. 
To:  Commanding   Officer   Sixth   Regiment. 

Position  sketch  submitted.  1st  Battalion  6th 
Regiment  1  kilometer  west  of  my  front.  Fosse  is 
being  shelled.  Wounded  from  23rd  say  they  are 
several  kilometers  north  of  Fosse. 

G.  K.  Shuler,  Major,  U.  S.  M.  C." 

Rolling  kitchens  accompanied  their  companies  and 
serv'ed  hot  meals  in  the  afternoon. 


106  HISTORY     OF    THE 

At  11 :00  a.  m.  November  4,  in  accordance  with  ver- 
bal orders  from  Regl.  Comdr.  the  battalion  moved, 
following  the  advance  of  the  First  battalion,  to  posi- 
tion one  kilometer  North  of  Fosse.  Battalion  P.  C. 
and  kitchens  remained  in  position;  hot  meal  sent  to 
all  companies  at  2  :00  p.  m. 

The  following  order  was  received  at  2 :00  p.  m., 
November  4th: 

*' Fourth  Brigade  will  occupy  the  right  subsector 
of  the  2nd  Division  in  accordance  with  Operation 
Memorandum,  2nd  Division,  4  November,  time, 
10:45  a.  m.  and  Memorandum  No.  29,  Headquarters 
4th  Brigade,  4  November,  18  time,  11 :30  a.  m.  both 
memos  herewith. 

In  accordance  with  paragraph  2  (b)  Memorandum 
4th  Brigade,  the  2nd  Battalion  (Maj.  Williams)  will 
advance  to  the  new  subsector  via  the  road  Fosse-La 
Forge  Fme  to  the  crossroads  about  350  yards  south- 
east of  the  farm  thence  northeast  along  the  woods 
road  to  point  6333,  then  northeast  to  the  ridge  about 
1,000  yards,  holding  a  line  running  northwest-south- 
east from  7038  to  7830. 

The  1st  Battalion  (Berry)  will  move  along  the 
Fosse-Belval  road  to  Harbeaumont  fme  at  4406, 
thence  northeast  along  the  woods  road  to  a  position 
along  the  line  6333  to  6921. 

The  3rd  Battalion  (Shuler)  from  Cote  Jean  by 
same  road  as  1st  Battalion  to  a  position  along  the 
line  from  6017  to  7011. 

Each  organization  will  have  its  rolling  kitchens, 
water  and  ration  carts  accompany  it  to  a  point  from 
which  the  ration  carts  may  supply  their  companies 
with  cooked  food. 

The  5th  Regiment  will  occupy  the  forward  part 
of  our  subsector,  this  Regiment  serving  as  their  sup- 


THIRD     BATTALION  107 

port.  The  rear  battalion  of  the  5th  Regiment  should 
rest  about  1,000  meters  northeast  of  the  ridge  occu- 
pied by  our  first  line  Battalion  (Williams).  Major 
Williams  will  exchange  with  the  rear  battalion  of 
the  5th  regiment  a  liaison  group  sufficient  to  guar- 
antee the  transmission  of  messages  and  information 
between  the  regiments.  The  2nd  and  3rd  line  bat- 
talions will  by  similar  means  relay  messages  from 
head  to  rear  and  reverse. 

The  combat  liaison  detachment  (Major  Stowell) 
which  has  been  maintained  between  this  Brigade  and 
the  80th  Division  on  our  left,  will  move  to  LaForge 
fme  and  keep  liaison  with  the  80th  Division  until 
liaison  has  been  established  between  that  Division 
and  the  3rd  Brigade.  When  this  has  been  effected  by 
the  3rd  Brigade  our  liaison  detachment  will  rejoin  its 
battalion  on  its  new  position.  Major  Stowell  vnll 
then  relieve  Major  Beriy  of  command  of  the  1st  Bat- 
talion and  Major  Berry  will  report  to  the  command- 
ing officer,  3rd  Battalion,  for  duty. 

In  moving  to  position  battalions  will  take  up  such 
formation  as  to  insure  security  on  the  march.  It 
is  reported  that  artillery  and  machine  guns  of  the 
enemy  remain  in  the  woods  through  which  the  mar&h 
is  to  be  made.  Efforts  should  be  made  to  complete 
the  movement  before  dark. 

Each  battalion  will  endeavor  by  means  of  patrols 
to  establish  liaison  with  the  elements  of  the  89th 
Division  opposite  them  on  our  right. 

Sketch  of  positions  will  be  sent  by  each  battalion 
to  the  P.  C.  of  the  regiment  as  soon  as  practicable 
after  taking  position  as  prescribed  above. 

All  transportation  not  enumerated  above  will  con- 
Btitute  the  regimental  train  under  command  of 
Captain  Patchen,  who  will  locate  with  it  at  Nouart. 

This  P.  C.  within  a  few  hours  will  be  moved  to 
Belval." 


108  HISTORY     OP    THE 

In  accordance  with  above  orders  the  battalion 
moved  from  above  position  at  4:00  p.  m.  arriving  at 
7 :50  p.  m.  in  position  in  Bois  de  Belval,  along  line 
from  6017  to  7011.  At  7:50  p.  m.  the  following  mes- 
sage was  sent: 

''From:     Commanding   Officer  Third   Battalion. 
To:  Regt.  Commander  Sixth  Regiment. 

Position  sketch  submitted.  Have  sent  patrol  to 
locate  any  of  89th  on  right,  3rd  Battalion  5th  (front 
line  Battalion)  just  passed  through  going  northwest. 
Got  word  from  Berry  this  p.  m.  that  he  was  moving 
forward  so  I  left.  I  got  word  from  him  on  the  way 
that  he  was  ordered  to  stay  where  he  was.  At  this 
time  I  was  within  1  kilometer  of  my  place  so  came 
on.  G.  K.  Shuler,  Major  U.  S.  M.  C. 

Ration  carts  arrived  with  hot  meaJs  at  10:30  p.  m. 
and  the  kitchens  arrived  next  morning  in  time  to 
serve  noon  meal. 

The  battalion  remained  in  this  position  until  1 :30 
p.  m.,  November  7th,  when  in  accordance  with  Regi- 
mental Field  Orders  No.  27  as  modified  by  Operation 
Memorandum  10 :50  a.  m.,  November  7th,  it  moved 
to  position  in  Northwest  corner  of  Bois  du  Pour,  ar- 
riving at  4 :50  p.  m.  The  kitchens  arrived  at  10  :00 
a.  m.  next  morning. 

In  accordance  with  Regimental  orders  the  Battal- 
ion C.  0.  went  to  Regimental  P.  C.  for  the  night, 
November  8th  and  the  battalion  under  the  command 
of  Major  Berry  moved  into  position  two  kilometers 
south  of  La  Thibaudine  Farm,  arriving  at  10:00  p. 
m.,  November  8th.    Kitchens  arrived  at  8:30  a.  m. 


THIRD     BATTALION  109 

the  following  morning.  Hot  meals  were  served  this 
day  and  battalion  rested  until  midnight.  Regimental 
runner  with  orders  for  further  movement  became 
lost  and  did  not  locate  battalion  until  10 :30  p.  m.  8th. 
Major  Shuler,  who  returned  to  battalion  about  1 :00 
p.  m.,  sent  Lieut.  Minter  on  horseback  to  Regimental 
Headquarters  about  10:00  p.  m.  to  report  the  non- 
arrival  of  expected  orders  for  movement.  As  Regi- 
mental runner  had  left  Regimental  Headquarters  at 
6  :00  p.  m.  with  the  order  for  movement  to  the  Bois 
de  L 'Hospice,  Major  Shuler  delayed  movement  until 
the  return  of  Lieut.  IMinter  at  11 :30  p.  m.  to  avoid 
any  possibility  of  change  of  orders  since  runner  start- 
ed. Immediately  upon  the  return  of  Lieut.  Minter 
the  order  for  movement  was  given  and  battalion 
marched  to  Bois  de  L 'Hospice  two  kilometers  east 
of  Yoncq,  at  2:30  a.  m.,  November  9th. 

Major  Berry  and  one  officer  from  each  companyf 
were  sent  on  reconnaissance  trip  to  banks  of  Meuse, 
leaving  at  5  :00  a.  m.  and  returning  late  in  the  morn- 
ing. Here  the  battalion  remained  until  the  evening 
of  the  10th.  Ration  carts  made  tw^o  trips  each  day 
with  hot  heals  and  spirits  of  both  officers  and  men 
arose  with  the  prospect  of  the  armistice. 

At  4:00  p.  m.,  November  10th,  the  day  preceding 
the  armistice,  the  battalion  commander  was  called 
to  Regimental  Headquarters  and  given  instructions 
for  the  crossing  of  the  Meuse  and  attack  on  the 
heights  on  the  east  bank  that  night.  He  returned  at 
7 :20  p.  m.  and  immediately  called  the  Company 
Commanders  for  a  short  conference.    As  there  waa 


110  HISTORY    OF    THE 

only  one  map  each,  company  commander  had  to  be 
taken  into  camouflaged  tent  and  shown  by  the  light 
of  a  candle  the  route  to  be  taken  and  the  objectives. 
Meanwhile  the  companies  were  preparing  to  march 
and  at  8  :(X)  p.  m.  we  moved  out,  marching  rapidly 
in  column  of  file.  After  fast  marching  of  two  and 
a  half  hours  battalion  arrived  at  point  on  railway 
304.7-316.7.  Lieutenant  Slade,  of  the  2nd  Engineers 
reported  that  one  pontoon  bridge  had  been  carried 
from  that  point  to  the  river  at  nine  o'clock  and  that 
lie  was  waiting  for  report  from  another  engineer  offi- 
cer on  the  water  front  as  to  whether  the  bridge  was 
ready  to  be  thrown  across  the  Mouse.  Lieut.  Slade 
was  told  that  it  would  be  absolutely  necessary  to  put 
two  bridges  ax^ross  in  order  to  effeet  a  crossing  and 
that  every  assistance  possible  would  be  given  him. 
A  runner  was  sent  to  river  bank  but  at  midnight  he 
had  not  returned  and  the  following  message  was  sent : 

''From:     C.  0.  3rd  Btn. 
To:  C.  0.  6th  Regt. 

Arrived  at  this  point  at  10:30  p.  m.  Was  held 
up  over  half  hour  because  of  heavy  shelling  of  Pour- 
ron.  Was  compelled  to  go  around.  Met  guides  at 
proper  place.  Stowell  and  Larson  not  here  yet. 
Metcalf  here.  Engineer  Officer,  Lieut.  Slade,  had 
one  pontoon  carried  to  river  at  9  :00  p.  m.  The  Of- 
ficer with  it  was  to  report  to  Slade  when  he  was 
ready  to  put  bridge  over.  He  has  not  reported  and 
I  have  had  Slade  send  a  runner  down  to  find  out 
the  reason  for  the  delay.  This  runner  has  not  re- 
turned. There  is  considerable  machine  gun  fire  on 
river  front.     Slade  says  when  the  bridge  was  taken 


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THIRD     BATTALION  111 

down  at  9 :00  p.  m.  this  fire  started.  He  thinks  the 
enemy  have  guns  opposite  the  place  his  men  are  on 
river  front.  He  suggests  that  he  put  one  bridge 
over  and  start  one  battalion  and  then  put  the  sec- 
ond one  over.  I  have  told  him  that  we  want  both 
to  go  over  at  the  same  time.  This  is  the  only  way 
to  do  now  that  we  know  the  enemy  are  opposite  and 
on  the  alert.  As  soon  as  Stowell  and  Larson  come 
up  with  their  battalion  and  Slade  gets  his  report 
that  they  are  ready  we  will  go  across  and  do  our 
best.  I  will  let  Slade  have  40  men  to  carry  the  sec- 
ond pontoon  to  river. 

G.  K.  Shuler,  Major,  U.  S.  M.  C. 

At  12 :05  a.  m.  a  report  was  received  that  the  First 
Battalion  of  6th  Regiment  and  Third  Battalion  5th 
Regiment  had  arrived  and  were  in  rear  of  troops  al- 
ready in  place.  At  the  same  time  the  Engineer  Offi- 
cer reported  from  the  river  front  that  he  could  throw 
across  one  bridge  w^hen  we  were  ready.  Lieut.  Slade 
stated  that  with  forty  men  in  addition  to  his  own 
attachment,  he  could  carry  to  the  river  and  place 
across  a  second  bridge.  Forty  men — twenty  from 
3rd  and  twenty  from  the  1st  Battalion,  were  placed 
at  his  disposal.  The  Battalion  Scout  Officer  accom- 
panied Lieut.  Slade  to  the  river  front  and  returned 
and  reported  at  2:15  that  it  would  be  4:00  a.  m.  at 
least  before  the  engineers  would  have  two  pontoon 
bridges  ready  to  throw  across  the  river.  At  3  :00  a.  m. 
the  following  message  was  sent: 

''From:     Commanding  Officer  Third  Battalion. 
To:  Commanding   Officer   Sixth   Regiment. 

Pontoons  are  not  ready  yet.  If  not  ready  so  we 
can  cross  at  4  a.  m.  will  be  obliged  to  call  it  off. 


112  HISTORY     OF    THE 

Too  near  daylight  to  do  the  work  without  artillery. 
It  will  take  at  least  an  hour  to  cross  pontoons.    "We 
will,  if  we  leave  here,  go  first  woods  and  bivouac. 
Larson  came  in  just  after  I  sent  last  message. 
G.  K.  Shuler,  Major,  U.  S.  M.  C. 

It  was  decided  that  if  bridges  were  not  ready  so 
that  troops  could  be  marched  across  and  on  East 
bank  of  Meuse  by  5 :00  a.  m.,  not  to  attempt  a  cross- 
ing. At  4:00'  a.  m.,  no  report  having  been  received 
that  the  bridges  were  ready  the  orders  were  givens 
for  the  battalions  of  the  Sixth  Regiment  and  Third 
Battalion  of  Fifth  to  return  to  Bois  de  L'Hospice, 
arriving  there  at  6 :30  a.  m.,  November  11th. 

''From     Brigadier  General  Neville,  Comdg.  4th  Brig. 

At:  P.   C. 

To:  C.  0.  6th  Marines. 

The  following  telephone  message  received  from 
Surprise  One,  6 :35  a.  m.  this  morning,  forwarded 
for  compliance:  '8:30  a.  m.  Fifth  Corps — Armistice 
signed  and  takes  effect  at  11:00  a.  m.  this  morning. 
Accurate  map  showing  locations  of  front  line  ele- 
ments including  patrols  and  detachments  will  be  sent 
to  these  headquarters  without  delay' — Neville. 

For  your  information  and  compliance  as  regards 
location  of  your  organization. 


5  > 


Battalion  remained  in  place  in  Bois  de  L 'Hospice 
until  10:00  a.  m.,  November  13th,  when  it  marched 
by  companies  to  Le  Faubourg  and  Villemontry  in 
accordance  with  the  following^  order : 


THIRD     BATTALION  113 


<  < 


Headquarters,  Sixth  Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  Am.  E.  F., 
France,   13   November,   1918. 
FIELD  ORDER 

No.  28. 

1.  You  will  move  in  accordance  with.  Brigade 
Field  Order  No.  63.  The  3rd  Battalion  will  move 
two  (2)  companies  to  Villemontry.  The  other 
Lwo  companies  to  Le  Faubourg,  for  billets,  relieving 
elements  of  the  23rd  Infantry  located  in  these  towns. 
The  relief  is  effe<?tive  at  noon  this  date.  Have  your 
rolling  kitchens,  ration  and  water  carts  proceed  im- 
mediately and  move  your  troops  as  quickly  as  pos- 
sible in  order  to  effect  relief  on  time.  The  1st  Bat- 
talion will  remain  in  its  present  position. 

2.  This  P.  C.  will  move  either  to  Villemontry  or 
Bivodeau  Fme. 

Lee." 

Eighty-Third  and  97th  Companies  billeted  at  Vil- 
lemontry. Battalion  Headquarters,  82nd  and  84th 
companies  billeted  at  Le  Faubourg  de  Mouzon,  re- 
lieving elements  of  23rd  Infantry. 

At  1 :00  p.  m.,  November  14th  battalion  headquar- 
ters, 82nd  and  84th  companies  marched  to  Villemon- 
try having  been  relieved  by  the  1st  Battalion,  308th 
Infantry.  Officers'  baggage  and  men's  packs  were 
brought  up  from  Chaudron  Farm  and  Sommerance 
by  trucks  and  distributed  November  14th.  Battalion 
remained  at  Villemontry  until  5  :00  a.  m.,  November 
17th  and  considerable  new  clothing  was  issued,  in- 
cluding leather  jerkins  and  overcoats.  No  shoes  were 
received  although  badly  needed. 


114  HISTORY    OP    THE 

MARCH  TO  THE  RHINE 

At  9 :15  p.  m.,  November  16th  the  following  order 
was  received: 


<  ( 


Headquarters   Sixth  Regiment, 
Marine  Corps,  A.  E.  F. 
France,  16  November,  1918. 

FIELD  ORDERS 

No.  29. 

1.  In  order  to  follow  the  Fifth  Regiment  who 
clear  Pouilly  with  their  advance  guard  at  5 :30  a.  m. 
tomorrow  17th  instant,  it  will  be  necessary  for  the 
train  of  the  Third  Battalion  to  leave  Villemontry 
at  4:00  a.  m.  The  train  of  the  1st  and  2nd  Bat- 
talions should  leave  Bois  du  Fond  de  Limon  at  5 :00 
a.  m.  The  3rd  Battalion  will  march  at  5 :00  a.  m. 
via  the  bridge  opposite.  Villemontry,  thence  South 
along  the  road  on  w^est  edge  of  the  Bois  des  Flavieres- 
Almagisors,  thence  eastward  along  the  road  to  the 
latter  woods,  thence  south  along  the  farm  Vigneron- 
Pouilly  road  to  Pouilly.  The  1st  and  2nd  Battalions 
will  march  from  Villemontry  in  rear  of  the  3rd  Bat- 
talion. Its  train  will  follow  the  train  of  the  3rd  Bat- 
talion. The  Supply  Company  will  leave  Beaumont 
in  time  to  arrive  at  Pouilly  and  follow  in  rear  of  the 
Headquarters  Company  at  7  :00  a.  m.,  from  that  place. 
The  Machine  Gun  Companies  will  follow  battalions 
to  which  attached. 

2.  It  will  be  absolutely  necessary  to  leave  prompt- 
ly on  the  hours  indicated  in  order  to  properly  join 
the  column.  If  the  battalion  and  company  desks, 
typewriters,  etc.  are  not  delivered  to  organizations 
tonight,  they  will  be  picked  up  by  the  train  at 
Pouilly. 

H.  Lee,  Colonel,  USMC,  Commanding.'* 


THIRD     BATTALION  115 

In  accordance  with  the  above  order,  at  5:00  a.  m., 
November  17th,  the  battalion  began  its  movement 
toward  the  Rhine,  crossing  the  Meuse  on  pontoon 
bridge  at  Villemontry  and  joining  Brigade  column 
as  the  last  battalion  in  line  at  Pouilly.  This  regiment 
halted  for  the  night  at  Laferte,  arriving  there  at  2  :00 
p.  m.  (Field  orders-Brigade  No.  42,  Regimental  No. 
29). 

The  following  morning  (November  18)  at  8:00  a. 
m.  the  march  was  resumed,  this  battalion  being  again 
last  in  Brigade  column.  Battalion  arrived  at  La 
Hage,  Belgium  at  5 :00  p.  m.,  having  crossed  the  Bel- 
gian border  at  Villers  at  10:50  a.  m.  A  delegation 
from  the  town  of  La  Hage  met  the  battalion  at  Belle 
Fontaine  and  escorted  the  column  with  music  and 
banners  to  billets  at  La  Hage.  A  great  reception  was 
given  the  troops  throughout  the  day's  march.  Flags 
and  fireworks  were  in  evidence  everywhere.  Battal- 
ion remained  in  this  place  36  hours.  The  march  was 
resumed  at  5:30  a.  m.,  November  20th.  The  Sixth 
Regiment  was  assigned  as  the  advance  guard  and 
this  battalion  detailed  as  the  main  body  of  the  ad- 
vance regiment  but,  due  to  the  failure  of  the  1st 
Battalion  to  arrive  at  the  appointed  time  at  the  ren- 
dezvous given,  Major  Shuler  received  verbal  orders 
from  the  Regimental  Commander  at  9:00  a.  m.  to 
take  up  the  flank  guard  with  two  companies  on  the 
right  flank  and  two  companies  on  the  left  flank.  Bat- 
talion Headquarters  and  the  82nd  and  84th  Compan- 
ies took  up  the  right  flank  guard  and  the  83rd  and 
97th   companies   covered   the   left   flank.    Battalion 


116  HISTORY     OF    THE 

Headquarters  and  84th  Company  joined  the  83rd 
and  97th  Companies  for  billets  at  Bonnert,  the  82nd 
Company  going  to  Frassem  for  billets.  (Field  orders, 
Brigade  No.  46,  Regimental  No.  30). 

At  7  :30  the  next  morning  the  march  was  resumed, 
this  battalion  again  being  assigned  to  flank  guard. 
The  83rd  and  97th  marched  as  left  flank  while  the 
battalion  headquarters  and  84th  company  marched 
to  Frassem  and,  together  with  82nd  company,  made 
up  the  right  flank  guard.  The  83rd  and  97th  Com- 
panies arrived  at  Schandel,  Luxembourg,  at  1:00  p. 
m.  and  billeted  there,  being  joined  at  3  :00  p.  m.  by 
Battalion  Headquarters  and  the  84th  Company,  the 
82nd  having  billeted  at  Bowingen,  as  liaison  with 
3rd  Brigade.  (Field  orders,  Division  No.  70,  Regi- 
mental No.  31). 

During  the  night  330  replacements  arrived  and. 
were  bivouacked  and  fed. 

At  6:45  a.  m.,  November  22nd  the  march  was  re- 
sumed, this  battalion,  less  one  company,  being  the 
reserve  of  the  advance  guard.  The  82nd  Company 
was  detailed  as  right  flank  guard  and  proceeded  to 
Schrondweiler  independently.  The  remainder  of  the 
battalion  left  the  regimental  column  at  Colmar-Berg 
and  proceeded  to  Cruchten  for  billet,  arriving  at 
11:30  a.  m.  Here  the  replacements  who  had  been 
marching  as  a  separate  company  were  distributed 
among  the  four  companies  of  the  battalion ;  and  Lieut. 
Conahan,  who  had  reported  the  previous  night,  was 
assigned  to  82nd  Company.  (Field  orders.  Regiment- 
al No.  32). 


THIRD     BATTALION  117 

The  march  was  resumed  at  7 :00  a.  m.  the  23rd  with 
the  Sixth  Regiment  as  advance  ^ard  and  this  bat- 
talion vanguard  of  the  advance  guard.  The  84th  Com- 
pany halted  for  billet  at  Beforthaide  at  1 :00  p.  m., 
the  remainder  of  the  Battalion  arriving  at  Dillingen, 
on  the  Sauer  river  (German  border)  at  3:00  p.  m., 
where  two  companies  were  billeted  and  one  (97) 
bivouacked.  (Field  orders,  Brigade  No.  49,  Regiment- 
al No.  32). 

There  being  an  insufficient  number  of  billets  in 
town  the  83rd  and  97th  companies  were  moved  Nov. 
25th,  to  Beforthaide  for  billet.  November  24th  the 
Regimental  signal  men,  one  Stokes  Mortar  and  crew 
and  one  one-pounder  and  crew  reported.  The  sec- 
tor and  bridgehead  were  organized  for  defense.  The 
15th  machine  gun  company  reported  and  was  billeted 
in  farm  one  kilometer  south  of  Dillingen.  Twelve 
machine  guns  were  placed  at  advantageous  points 
covering  bridge  approaches  and  possible  landing 
points  on  river.  One-pounder  and  Stokes  Mortars 
were  placed  in  position  to  shell  bridge.  Strong  out- 
posts and  patrols  were  placed  along  Sauer  river  cov- 
ering front  assigned  to  this  battalion.  A  drill  sched- 
ule was  followed  while  in  this  area  and  between  9 :00 
p.  m.  and  4:00  a.  m.  the  night  of  November  30-Dec- 
ember  1,  some  clothing  and  equipment  were  issued. 
Shoes  were  received  but  not  enough  of  each  size  to 
equip  men.  When  march  was  resumed  some  fifty 
men  marched  with  their  feet  on  the  ground. 

At  8:15  a.  m.,  December  1,  the  battalion  resumed 
its  march,  crossing  the  Sauer  river  into  Germany  at 


118  HISTORY    OF    THE 

the  "Wallendorf  bridge  at  9:15  a.  m.  as  the  last  bat- 
talion in  the  Brigade  column.  Battalion  split  at 
Neuerburg,  the  82nd  and  84th  companies  and  15th 
machine  gnn  company  going  to  Scheuren  for  billets 
and  the  Battalion  Headquarters  and  83rd  and  97th 
companies  going  to  Plascheid  for  billets.  (Field  Or- 
ders. Division  No.  30,  Brigade  No.  30,  Regimental 
No.  33). 

The  next  morning  the  march  was  resumed  at  6  :30, 
the  82nd  and  84th  companies  joining  column  on  the 
Neuerburg-Waxweiler  road,  this  battation  being  again 
last  in  brigade  column.  Battalion  left  column  at 
Waxweiler  and  proceeded  to  Lambertsburg,  and 
Grimelscheid  for  billets.  83rd  and  97th  companies 
were  billeted  at  Lambertsburg  at  1 :00  p.  m.  and  the 
82nd  and  84th  companies  and  the  15th  machine  gun 
company  billeted  in  Greimelscheid  with  Battalion 
Headquarters.  (Regimental  Operations  Memoran- 
dum No.  1). 

At  5:30  a.  m.,  December  3rd  battalion  marched 
to  join  column  at  Waxweiler  as  last  battalion  in  bri- 
gade column.  Battalion  left  Regimental  column  at 
Prum  and  arrived  at  Giesdorf  for  billet  at  3 :00  p.  m, 
(Regimental  Field  Order  No.  33). 

The  Division  remained  in  place  December  4th  but 
this  battalion,  in  accordance  with  Regimental  Opera- 
tions Memorandum  No.  2,  marched  independently  to 
Duppach,  leaving  Giesdorf  at  7:00  a.  m.  and  arriv- 
ing at  Duppach  at  1:00  p.  m.  where  battalion  was 
billeted. 


THIRD     BATTALION  119 

At  7:00  a.  m.,  December  5tli  the  battalion  again 
marched  independently,  arriving  at  Hillesheim  at 
12:30  p.  m.,  the  remainder  of  the  Division  being 
halted.  (Brigade  Field  Order  No.  53.) — These  in- 
dependent moves  were  made  in  order  to  get  into  po- 
sition to  march  eastward  on  the  left  flank  of  the 
divisional  zone  when  the  Division  resumed  its  march 
December  6th. 

At  7 :30  a.  m.,  December  6th  this  battalion,  with 
Company  *'D"  of  the  2nd  Engineers  and  the  15th 
machine  gun  company,  marched  as  vanguard  of  the 
leading  regiment,  arriving  at  Ahrhutte  at  1 :00  p.  m. 
where  the  83rd  and  84th  companies,  the  15th  machine 
gun  company  and  the  Battalion  train  w^ere  billeted. 
The  Battalion  Headquarters  and  the  82nd  and  97th 
Companies  continued  the  march  to  Udelhoven  where 
they  were  billeted  together  with  Company  '*D"  of 
the  2nd  Engineers.  (Regimental  Field  Order  No. 
34). 

The  march  was  resumed  at  7:00  a.  m.,  December 
7th,  the  battalion  assembling  on  the  main  road  at 
Ahrdorf  and  again  marching  as  vanguard.  InsuII 
was  reached  at  2:00  p.  m.  and  this  battalion  (less 
one  company),  Company  "D"  Engineers  and  Troop 
''L",  2nd  Cavalry  billeted.  The  97th  Company  con- 
tinued the  march  to  Dumpelfeld  where  it  billeted 
as  outpost  company.  Divisional  Field  Order  No.  78. 
Regimental  Field  Order  No.  35). 

The  following  morning  (December  8th)  the  march 
was  resumed  on  the  river  road  at  7:00  a.  m.  This 
battalion  with  the  15th  machine  gun  company  and 


120  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Company  "D"  2nd  Engineers,  attached,  continued 
to  lead  the  Brigade  column  until  it  reached  the  Rhine. 
Battalion  reached  Neunahr  at  4:00  p.  m.  where  en- 
tire battalion  was  billeted. 

At  6 :45  a.  m.,  December  9th  the  march  was  re- 
sumed and  continued  to  Brohl-on-the-Rhine  which 
was  reached  at  12 :00  noon.  Battalion  billeted  here 
and  remained  until  5  :00  a.  m.,  December  13th,  when 
it  marched  up  the  Rhine  to  Andernach  and  crossed 
on  the  Andernach-Leutesdorf  Feriy,  billeting  in  Leu- 
tesdorf.  The  battalion  train,  which  w'as  ordered  to 
proceed  north  to  Remagen  and  cross  on  the  bridge 
did  not  arrive  until  2 :00  a.  m.,  December  14th. 

At  Leutesdorf,  Battalion  took  up  regular  program 
of  training  and  December  31st  found  it  still  in  place. 

The  seven  and  a  half  months  of  1919  that  were 
spent  on  the  Rhine  were  without  unusual  activity. 
A  training  schedule  varying  from  open  warfare  man- 
euvers and  demonstrations  to  rifle  practice  and  close 
order  drill  was  carried  on  throughout  this  period. 
There  were  several  Divisional  Reviews  held  on  the 
heights  of  Vallendar  and  Gladbach.  This  battalion 
participated  in  ceremonies  reviewed  by  Greneral  Persh- 
ing, Secretary  of  the  Navy  Josephus  Daniels,  Chief 
of  Naval  Operations,  Admiral  Benson,  besides  two 
decoration  ceremonies  on  its  own  drill  grounds  re- 
viewed by  the  Division  Commander.  At  these  cere- 
monies decorations  were  given  to  men  for  gallantry 
in  action  on  all  the  fronts  from  the  Chateau  Thierry 
salient  to  the  Argonne.  The  Regimental  colors  were 
decorated  three  times  with  the  Croix  de  Guerre  with 


THIRD    BATTALION  121 

palm,  and  had  the  battle  ribbons  for  all  the  fronts 
put  on. 

In  early  Februarj^  four  officers  and  two  hundred 
men  from  the  battalion  were  detached  for  service 
with  the  2nd  Engineers,  who  were  constructing  bar- 
racks, mess  halls  and  corrals  all  over  the  Divisional 
area.  Two  officers  were  sent  to  the  17th  Field  Ar- 
tillery and  two  to  the  23rd  Infantry.  Up  to  this 
time  the  battalion  had  been  about  200  men  and  15 
officers  over-strength,  due  to  the  returning  casuals, 
both  sick  and  wounded. 

On  April  23rd  the  Regimental  Headquarters  and 
Headquarters  Company  moved  to  Honningen  to  take 
the  billets  vacated  by  the  12th  Field  Artillery,  leav- 
ing this  battalion  the  entire  town  of  Leutesdorf  for 
billet.  The  Battalion  Headquarters  was  moved  to 
the  Marienburg  estate,  the  83rd  company  moved  its 
office  to  the  Masberg  Hotel  and  took  over  the  Rhein- 
strasse  billets  vacated  by  battalion  headquarters  per- 
sonnel. Adjustments  of  billeting  areas  by  the  other 
companies  to  conform  to  this  movement  added  great- 
ly to  the  comfort  of  the  men. 

Orders  were  received  early  in  June  for  all  units 
of  the  2nd  Division  to  be  ready  to  march  on  a  twelve 
hour  notice.  Combat  allowance  of  ammunition  was 
kept  ready  for  loading,  the  animals  were  brought 
into  the  best  possible  condition,  practice  marches  were 
held  for  the  hardening  of  the  men  and  everything 
put  in  readiness  for  a  march  eastward  should  the 
Grermans  show  the  slightest  indication  of  a  refusal 
to  sign  the  peace  terms. 


122  HISTORY     OF    THE 

At  9 :00  p.  m.,  June  ITth.  telephonic  orders  were 
received  from  the  Regimental  Commander  to  pre- 
pare to  move  at  once.  Later  orders  indicated  that 
there  would  be  no  move  before  morning  but  the  night 
was  spent  in  preparing  for  the  march.  Company 
Commanders  were  called  to  Battalion  Headquarters 
for  a  conference  and  the  plan  of  movement  laid  be- 
fore them.  Excess  baggage  and  equipment  was  packed 
B.  &  R.  wagons  reporting  to  all  companies  to 
it  was  to  be  left  under  guard.  Men's  baggage  was 
reduced  to  what  they  could  carry  in  their  packs, 
haul  excess  to  the  82nd  Company  mess  hall  where 
officers  stored  everything  but  small  bedding  or  cloth- 
ing rolls  and  every  effort  was  made  to  prepare  the 
command  for  anything  that  might  come.  The  B.  & 
R.  wagons,  after  hauling  excess  baggage  to  the  stor- 
age point  were  sent  to  the  company  store-rooms  and 
offices  and  loaded  with  ammunition,  reserve  )and 
field  rations  and  officers'  baggage. 

Orders  were  received  during  th'C  morndng  that 
this  battalion  would  march  at  11 :00  a.  m.  and  clear 
the  town  before  the  arrival  of  the  remainder  of  the 
Regiment.  Forming  on  Rheinstrasse  at  10:45  a.  m. 
the  battalion  marched  promptly  at  eleven  followed 
by  its  train  and,  at  a  distance,  by  the  other  battal- 
ions. A  halt  was  made  near  Segendorf  for  one  hour 
at  noon  and  a  hot  meal  served.  Battalion  marched 
again  at  1 :00  p.  tn.  and  despite  the  fact  that  men 
had  been  up  nearly  all  night  preparing  for  the  move 
the  march  continued  in  good  time  and  Hardert,  the 
town  selected  for  billet,  was  reached  about  4:00  p. 


THIRD     BATTALION  123 

m.  Although  the  town  was  very  small  all  the  officers 
and  about  90  per  cent  of  the  men  were  billeted,  the 
remainder  bivouaclring*  in  the  neighboring  fields. 

The  Regimental  Headquarters  w^as  located  at 
Rengsdorf,  three  kilometers  away,  and  the  Battalion 
Adjutant  was  sent  there  in  the  side-car  to  get  the 
preliminary  order  for  the  morrow's  movement.  This 
preliminary  order  was  confirmed  by  the  receipt  of 
complete  orders  at  11 :00  p.  m.  requiring  this  battal- 
ion to  join  Regimental  column  two  kilometers  away 
at  7 :30  a.  m.  the  following  day.  Reveille  w^as  set  for 
4:45  and  the  battalion  arrived  at  the  meeting  point 
in  ample  time  to  take  its  place  in  the  column  between 
the  2nd  and  first  battalions.  Four  trucks  reported 
at  Hardert  at  6 :00  a.  m.  and  were  assigned  to  the 
four  companies  to  carry  the  men's  packs.  The  entire 
Regiment  marched  in  combat  packs  and  much  better 
marching  time  was  made  than  on  the  previous  day, 
the  head  of  the  regiment  arriving  in  Herschbach, 
near  the  bridgehead  perimeter,  at  3 :00  p.  m.  As 
there  was  only  billeting  space  for  one  battalion  in 
the  town,  the  2nd  battalion  was  billeted  and  the  re- 
mainder of  the  Regiment  bivouacked  in  the  fields  at 
the  edge  of  town. 

The  Regiment  remained  here  until  PEACE  was 
signed  at  3 :14  p.  m.  June  28th.  A  program  of  close 
order,  practice  marches  and  ceremonies  was  held  here, 
the  large  space  available  for  drill  grounds  making 
it  practicable  for  the  entire  Regiment  to  drill  to- 
gether. The  band  played  on  the  field  for  an  hour 
every  morning  in  order  to  give  the  troops  practice 


124  HISTORY    OP    THE 

in  inarching  to  music  and  in  addition  a  Regimental 
parade  was  held  every  afternoon  that  the  weather 
permitted.  Frequent  rain  interfered  with  the  drill 
program  somewhat  and  made  the  bivouac  rather  un- 
comfortable but  everything  possible  was  done  to  add 
to  the  comfort  and  relieve  the  monotony  of  the  troops. 
The  Regimental  entertainment  troupe  gave  several 
evenings'  entertainment  on  the  field,  the  band  gave 
nightly  concerts  and  an  occasional  moving  picture 
or  **Y'*  troupe  aided  in  the  entertainment. 

Orders  were  received  the  evening  of  the  28th  that 
the  Regiment  would  march  the  following  day,  the 
first  unit  clearing  Herschbach  at  7  :00  a.  m.,  following 
the  Fifth  Regiment  which  was  to  return  to  its  for- 
mer area  in  one  day.  The  Sixth  Regiment  divided 
the  return  trip  into  two  parts,  bivouacking  on  the 
Gladbach  rifle  range  the  night  of  the  29th  and  march- 
ing to  its  area  the  30th,  this  battalion  arriving  in 
Leutesdorf  at  10:30  a.  m.,  after  leaving  Gladbach 
at  7:00  a.  m.  as  the  last  battalion  in  the  Regimental 
column. 

Upon  arrival  in  Leutesdorf  troops  immediately  re- 
turned to  billets  formerly  occupied  and  the  usual 
activities  prevailed  again.  The  training  period  was 
almost  exclusively  devoted  to  close  order  and  cere- 
monial drill  to  prepare  for  the  parades  and  reviews 
that  were  likely  to  occur  in  the  United  States. 

All  officers  and  men  on  detached  duty  in  the  Third 
Army  were  ordered  to  rejoin  their  organizations  for 
preparation  to  return  home.  This  order  brought  all 
our  officers  and  men  with  the  engineers,  men  from 


THIRD    BATTALION  125 

the  Amaroc  News  (The  Third  Army  Newspaper), 
the  Second  Division  "Indian"  and  all  other  special 
duty  assignments.  Colonel  Lee  received  some  very 
fine  letters  of  commendation  from  the  Commanding 
Officer  of  the  Second  Engineers  and  the  various 
battalion  and  company  commanders  for  the  work  per- 
formed by  the  Marines  while  attached  to  the  En- 
gineer Regiment. 

Orders  were  received  July  4th,  turning  the  Divi- 
sion over  to  the  S.  0.  S.  for  preparation  for  return 
to  the  United  States.  Ammunition  was  turned  in 
July  6th,  all  excess  property  was  turned  in  between 
that  date  and  the  16th,  and  the  command  put  in  the 
best  possible  shape  for  the  journey.  On  July  llth 
all  animals  and  all  of  the  transportation  except  the 
rolling  kitchens,  were  taken  to  Sinzig  and  turned  in, 
the  rations  being  delivered  by  motor  truck  from 
thence  forth. 

At  6:45  a.  m.,  July  19,  1919,  the  anniversary  of 
the  attack  of  this  Regiment  near  Soissons,  the  bat- 
talion marched  out  of  Leutesdorf  to  the  entraining 
point  at  Rheinbrohl  where  bedsacks  were  filled  with 
cork  shavings,  cars  loaded  and  all  preparations  made 
for  the  maximum  comfort  during  the  three  day  jour- 
ney to  Brest. 

Leaving  Rheinbrohl  at  12:08  p.  m.  the  battalion 
train  with  Major  George  A.  Stowell  in  command, 
moved  out,  passed  through  Leutesdorf  then  south  to 
the  Engers  bridge,  crossed  to  the  yards  at  Coblenz- 
Lutzel,  was  switched  to  the  northbound  track  and 
started  for  Brest.   The  route  taken  was  the  one  fol- 


126  HISTORY    OF    THE 

lowed  by  tlie  German  army  in  1914:  Cologne,  Aix- 
la  Chapelle,  Liege,  Namnr,  Valenciennes,  Arras,  Al- 
bert, Amiens,  Rouen ;  thence  via  Alencon,  Laval,  Ren- 
nes  and  Morliaix  to  Brest. 

Arriving  at  Brest  at  7 :20  a.  m.  the  22nd,  the  Bat- 
talion detrained,  was  met  by  debarkation  officers 
and  guides  and  conducted  to  mess  halls  for  breakfast 
and  marched  to  Camp  Pontanezen  for  billet  and 
preparation  for  embarkation. 

At  Pontanezen  the  Passenger  Lists  were  made  up, 
a  final  requisition  for  emergency  clothing  and  equip- 
m.ent  was  filled,  men  were  deloused,  given  physical 
and  pack  inspection,  French  money  collected  and 
changed  for  American  currency,  dogs  were  deloused 
and  given  health  certificates  and  the  Battalion  pro- 
nounced ready  to  go. 

At  6:00  a.  m.  Sunday,  July  27th,  the  Battalion 
marched  from  its  billets,  followed  in  column  by  the 
Headquarters  Company  and  the  73rd  Machine  Gun 
Company,  bound  for  the  docks.  After  being 
checked  through  the  gates  aboard  the  waiting  lighter, 
we  moved  out  into  the  harbor,  drew  alongside  the 
one-stacker,  U.  S.  S.  Wilhelmina,  and  marched  the 
troops  aboard.  The  baggage  and  troops  all  loaded, 
the  "Wilhelmina  weighed  anchor  at  1 :55  p.  m.  and 
pushed  out  into  the  North  Atlantic  HOMEWARD 
BOUND  !  !  ! 

Making  an  average  of  about  355  miles  per  day 
with  only  one  day  of  rough  sea  the  Fire  Island  Light 
was  sighted  at  2:51  p.  m.,  August  5th.  Ambrose 
Light  was  passed  at  4:57  p.  m.     The  pilot,  bringing 


THIRD     BATTALION  127 

New  York  newspapers  telling  of  the  coming  parade, 
was  taken  aboard  and  the  Wilhelmina  picked  her 
way  slowly  up  Ambrose  channel  into  the  North 
River,  where  she  anchored  off  Weehawken,  N.  J.,  at 
7 :30  p.  m.  Reveille  was  sounded  at  4 :30  the  next 
morning",  breakfast  was  served  at  5  and  the  troops 
were  ready  to  disembark  when  the  ship  was  shoved 
in  alongside  pier  15,  Hoboken,  N.  J.,  at  7 :00  a.  m. 
Companies  were  formed  and  check  roll  call  held  on 
the  pier,  then  the  Battalion  marched  aboard  a  ferry 
boat  together  with  Headquarters  Company  and  the 
73rd  and  was  taken  down  North  River,  around  the 
point  of  Manhattan  Island  through  the  East  River 
to  Long  Island  City,  where  we  disembarked  and 
boarded  Long  Island  railroad  trains  for  Camp  Mills. 
Troops  were  given  cake,  ice  cream,  oranges,  cigarettes, 
etc.,  by  the  Red  Cross  and  other  welfare  societies, 
both  at  the  pier  and  before  boarding  trains.  Ar- 
riving at  Camp  Mills,  Battalion  was  met  by  guides 
and  taken  to  barracks.  Here  men  remained  until 
8:00  p.  m.,  when  delousing  and  inspection  began, 
the  companies  passing  through  in  numerical  order, 
beginning  with  the  82nd  Company  at  8 :00  p.  m. 
and  ending  with  the  97th  at  2  :30  a.  m.  Officers  were 
given  liberty  the  afternoon  of  the  6th  and  7th.  Men 
were  given  liberty  after  delousing  and  inspection 
"Wednesday  night  until  9 :0O  a.  m.  Thursday  and  from 
noon  to  9  :00  p.  m.  Thursday. 

Friday  morning  the  Battalion  left  Camp  Mills  at 
11  o'clock  for  parade  in  New  York.  The  uniform 
included  combat  packs,  helmets,  blouses  and  arms 


128  HISTORY    OF    THE 

with  slickers  and  mess  gear  and  one  cooked  meal 
carried  in  the  pack.  Detrained  at  Long  Island  City, 
took  ferry  to  East  Tenth  street,  New  York,  and 
then  marched,  following  the  First  Battalion  at  100 
yards,  west  on  Tenth  street  to  University  Place, 
south  to  Ninth  street  and  west  to  Fifth  avenue.  The 
entire  Regiment  formed  in  the  block  on  Ninth 
street  between  Fourth  and  Fifth  avenues  and  re- 
mained there  until  the  Fifth  Regiment  cleared  Ninth 
street,  marching  north  on  Fifth  avenue.  The  Sixth 
Regiment  then  took  up  the  march  with  the  First, 
Second  and  Third  Battalions,  Headquarters,  73rd  and 
Supply  Companies  in  the  order  named.  The  forma- 
tion of  each  Battalion  in  line  of  companies  with  com- 
panies in  column  of  squads  (four  columns  of  squads 
abreast  and  closed  up),  distance  between  platoons 
was  sixteen  paces,  measured  from  rear  guide  of  one 
to  leading  guide  of  the  next.  The  parade  was  reviewed 
by  Assistant  Secretary  of  the  Navy  Roosevelt  and 
Mayor  Hyland,  of  New  York.  The  reviewing  stand 
was  erected  in  front  of  the  New  York  Public  Library 
at  Forty-second  street  and  Fifth  avenue.  Cheering 
crowds  lined  the  avenue  from  "Washington  Square 
to  110th  street  and  made  the  marchers  forget  that 
they  had  walked  two  miles  before  starting  the  parade 
in  addition  to  five  miles  at  attention  in  the  parade 
proper.  General  LeJeune  and  staff  fell  out  and  re- 
viewed the  Division  at  110th  street. 

Turning  west  on  116th  street  the  Fourth  Brigade 
marched  to  the  129th  street  ferry  slip  via  St.  Nich- 
olas   and    Manhattan    avenue    and    boarded    ferry 


THIRD    BATTALION  129 

•'boats  for  Jersey  City.  As  the  battalions  passed 
through  the  ferry  house  mess  gear  was  broken  out 
and  a  supper  of  frankfurters,  sauer  kraut,  ice  cream, 
pie,  milk,  cake  and  oranges  was  served  by  the  Red 
Cross.  At  Jersey  City  Pennsylvania  terminal  the 
Brigade  was  taken  to  Quantico  on  thirteen  trains 
leaving  at  fifteen  minute  intervals,  the  last  train 
getting  out  at  12:10  a.  m.  and  arriving  at  Quantico 
at  1 :00  p.  m.,  August  9th. 

At  Quantico  the  company  office  force  worked  day 
and  night  closing  out  accounts  and  making  up  pay 
rolls,  while  the  post  quartermaster  issued  Marine 
Corps  uniforms,  campaign  hats  and  barracks  Shoes 
to  every  man. 

Tuesday,  August  12th,  the  Battalion  entrained  at 
7:00  a.  m.  for  Washington,  arriving  at  8:30  a.  m. 
After  marching  to  position  in  Regimental  column, 
men  were  allowed  to  fall  out  and  rest  until  12  noon 
when  first  call  was  sounded.  The  line  of  march  was 
from  the  Peace  Monument  up  Pennsylvania  Avenue 
to  Nineteenth,  turning  out  to  the  south  and  return- 
ing to  the  Union  Station.  The  formation  was  col- 
umn of  masses  with  six  squads  in  each  platoon.  Men 
wore  combat  packs,  arms,  helmets  and  blouses. 
President  Wilson,  General  March,  Major  General 
Bamett,  Major  General  LeJeune  and  Assistant  Sec- 
retary of  the  Navy  Roosevelt,  were  in  the  reviewing 
stand.  After  parade  Battalion  marched  to  Union 
Station  and  entrained,  leaving  fifteen  minutes  ahead 
of  schedule  at  4:00  p.  m.  and  arriving  at  Quantico 
at  5:30  p.  m.     Demobilization  arrangements  were 


130  HISTORY    OF    THE 

resumed  immediately  "upon  return  of  the  men  from 
Washin^on  and  the  first  elements  of  the  Fifth  Reg- 
iment were  sent  out  on  special  trains  early  "Wednes- 
day morning,  August  13th,  followed  by  the  Sixth  in 
order,  First,  Second,  Third  Battalions,  Headquar- 
ters, 73rd  and  supply  companies. 

At  3 :30  p.  m.  the  train  bearing  the  demobilized 
men  of  the  Third  Battalion  pulled  out  and  the  Third 
Battalion,  Sixth  Marines,  one  of  the  finest  fighting 
organizations  on  the  Western  front,  ceased  to  be. 


FINIS. 


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